Threaten Meaning
/ˈθɹɛt.n̩/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo make a threat against someone; to use threats.
verbTo menace, or be dangerous.
Sentence Examples
It will threaten the prosperity of the town.
There are dangers that threaten both men and women.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The dark clouds ____ to bring heavy rain over the city this afternoon.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The strong winds began to ____ the stability of the small wooden shed in our garden earlier this afternoon today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English thretenen, from Old English þrēatnian (“to urge, force, compel”), equivalent to threat + -en.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"No one, however, would have anything to do with him, as Mr. Keeson's orders in those respects were very strict ; he had often threatened any one of his employés with instant dismissal if he found him in company with one of these touts."
— 1904–1905, Baroness Orczy [i.e., Emma Orczy], “The Hocussing of Cigarette”, in The Case of Miss Elliott, London: T[homas] Fisher Unwin, published 1905, →OCLC; republished as popular edition, London: Greening & Co., 1909, OCLC 11192831, quoted in The Case of Miss Elliott (ebook no. 2000141h.html), Australia: Project Gutenberg of Australia, February 2020:
""Taiwanese are very enthusiastic and love freedom and democracy, so many good international friends have come to Taiwan to support us. This is a normal and good thing, but China threatens and intimidates Taiwan," she said.
"However, I would like to reassure everyone that both our government and the military are prepared, and I will definitely take care of Taiwan.""
— 2022 August 13, Sarah Wu, David Kirton, Ben Blanchard, quoting Tsai Ing-wen, “Taiwan thanks U.S. for maintaining security in Taiwan Strait”, in Tom Hogue, Michael Perry, William Mallard, editors, Reuters, archived from the original on 13 Aug 2022, World:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The dark clouds ____ to bring heavy rain over the city this afternoon.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The strong winds began to ____ the stability of the small wooden shed in our garden earlier this afternoon today.