threaten

US /ˈθrɛtn/

UK /ˈθretn/

A2

other

  • State an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for or conditionally on something done or not done.
  • To state an intention to take hostile action against someone.
  • To indicate a possibility of something undesirable.
  • To express intention to harm.

verb

  • To cause something potential harm, or put at risk
  • To say you may harm or hurt someone

Examples

She threatened him with a gun.

Many species are now threatened with extinction.