Threaten

Pronunciation: /ˈθrɛtən/

Threaten (verb)

  1. To say you will cause harm or trouble to someone if they do not do something.
  2. To make someone feel afraid about what might happen in the future.

Examples

  • They threaten to take action if the issue is not resolved.
  • The storm threatens to destroy the crops in the field.

Common collocations: threaten with consequences, threaten legal action, threaten someone's safety, threaten to harm

Synonyms of Threaten

Formal

Informal

Antonyms of Threaten

  • To calm someone who feels threatened.
  • To provide solace instead of intimidation.