threaten (/ˈθretn/)
verb · Intermediate · Common Verbs
🔊 /ˈθretn/
Meaning
Meaning: warn of harm
To say that you will harm someone, or to be likely to cause damage.
Examples
🗣 Dark storm clouds began to threaten the picnic that the family had planned.
Etymology
From Old English ‘þrēatnian’, from ‘þrēat’ (oppression, threat).
How & Where It’s Used
Used for verbal threats and for impending dangers.
Tags: danger, communication