threaten

/ˈθrɛtn/

/ˈθrɛtɛn/

Other forms: threatened; threatening; threatens

Something that threatens makes its danger known. Storm clouds threaten rain, and bullies threaten other kids.

Unfortunately, there are lots of people and things that threaten — it's a dangerous world. If someone threatens you with violence, you should call the police. The police may then threaten the criminal with arresting them. Nations threaten each other before going to war. You can also say a dangerous situation is threatening, like gloomy weather. Sometimes this word is used more lightheartedly, like if an old friend threatens to hug you to death.

Definitions of threaten

1. verb

   utter intentions of injury or punishment against
   types:

   offer

   threaten to do something

   type of:

   warn

   notify of danger, potential harm, or risk
2. verb

   pose a threat to; present a danger to
   synonyms: endanger, imperil, jeopardise, jeopardize, menace, peril

   type of:

   be, exist

   have an existence, be extant
3. verb

   to be a menacing indication of something:"The clouds threaten rain"
   “Danger threatens”

   type of:

   augur, auspicate, betoken, bode, forecast, foreshadow, foretell, omen, portend, predict, prefigure, presage, prognosticate

   indicate by signs