threaten

CEFRB1

/ˈθɹɛt.n̩/

verb

Türkçe translations

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In plain English

Examples

At a glance

Sits at B1 on the CEFR scale

Also pronounced

Deep Dive

Extra meanings

To portend, or give a warning of.
To make a threat against someone; to use threats.
To call into question the validity of (a belief, idea, or viewpoint); to challenge.

In context

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The word in print, with each source given in full.

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 popul...
"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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From Middle English thretenen, from Old English þrēatnian (“to urge, force, compel”), equivalent to threat + -en.