Threaten — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Threaten
Threaten (verb)
- to utter threats against
- to give signs or warning of, portend
- to hang over dangerously, menace
Threaten (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on
"the powerful hurricane continues to threaten the southern coastline"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Threaten
The most common words with a similar meaning to Threaten:
Word Forms of Threaten
Inflections: threatened, threatening
Derived words: threatener (noun)
Origin & Etymology of Threaten
First known use: 13th centuryt
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Threaten
- CEFR level: B2 English Vocabulary — Page 26
- Topics: Conflict & Opposition
Frequently Asked Questions about Threaten
What does "Threaten" mean?
"Threaten" means to utter threats against. As a verb, it is defined as: to utter threats against.
What is another word for "Threaten"?
Other words for "Threaten" include hang (over), hover (over), impend (over), menace and overhang. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Threaten" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Threaten"?
There are 10 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Threaten". Common alternatives include hang (over), hover (over), impend (over), menace and overhang.
How do you use "Threaten" in a sentence?
Examples of "Threaten" in a sentence: "the powerful hurricane continues to threaten the southern coastline".
Is "Threaten" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Threaten" is a verb.
Is "Threaten" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As a B2-level word, "Threaten" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.
How do you pronounce "Threaten"?
"Threaten" is pronounced /ˈthre-tᵊn/ and divided into syllables as threat·en.
What is the origin of the word "Threaten"?
First known use: 13th centuryt.