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Threat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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threat

[θrɛt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dangerous situation

A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done.

Synonyms

intimidation, menace, warning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
threat

A statement or intention to cause harm or trouble, often used in serious or dangerous situations.

  • He received a threat that made him very anxious
  • The storm posed a significant threat to the coastal town
menace

Something that is a source of danger or causes trouble, can be used to describe a person or situation that is generally troublesome. Negative connotation.

  • The escaped prisoner is considered a menace to society
  • The dark clouds were a menace to our outdoor party
intimidation

The act of making someone feel frightened or overpowered, often to influence their behavior. Negative connotation.

  • The bully used intimidation to control the other children
  • The company's tactics of intimidation made the employees uneasy
warning

A statement or sign that alerts someone to possible danger or problems so they can take precautions.

  • The teacher gave us a warning about the upcoming test
  • The sudden drop in temperature was a warning of the coming storm

Examples of usage

  • She received a threat of violence if she didn't comply with his demands.
  • The company received a bomb threat and had to evacuate the building.
Context #2 | Noun

person or thing likely to cause damage or danger

A person or thing that is likely to cause damage or danger.

Synonyms

danger, hazard, risk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
threat

A threat is typically used to describe a situation or a person that expresses an intention to cause harm or damage. It often implies a potential or imminent danger and usually has a negative connotation.

  • The dark clouds pose a serious threat of a storm.
  • He received a threat from an anonymous caller.
danger

Danger refers to the possibility of harm or adverse effects. It includes both immediate and potential harm and can apply to people, situations, or objects.

  • The building was in danger of collapsing.
  • There is a danger of getting lost in the forest.
risk

Risk refers to the potential for loss, damage, or any other negative outcome. It often involves a probability and is frequently used in discussions concerning business, finance, and personal safety.

  • Investing in the stock market involves a certain amount of risk.
  • He calculated the risk before making the decision.
hazard

Hazard is often used to describe something that poses a risk to safety or health. It is typically used in the context of workplaces, environments, and situations where there is a clear risk.

  • Chemical spills are a serious hazard in the lab.
  • Slippery floors can be a hazard in the home.

Examples of usage

  • Climate change is a threat to the existence of many species.
  • The new virus strain is a major threat to public health.
Context #3 | Verb

express intention to harm

To state one's intention to cause harm, danger, or damage to someone or something.

Synonyms

intimidate, menace, warn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
threat

This word is typically used to describe a situation or a person that poses potential harm or danger. It can be used in both serious and informal contexts.

  • The company received a threat from hackers demanding a ransom.
  • Her presence was seen as a threat by the other competitors.
menace

This word is used to describe someone or something that is considered dangerous and likely to cause harm. It has a serious tone and strong negative connotation.

  • The escaped convict was considered a menace to society.
  • His reckless driving is a menace on the roads.
intimidate

Use this word when someone is making another person feel afraid or less confident, often through threats or aggressive behavior. It is often perceived negatively.

  • The bullies tried to intimidate the new student by mocking him.
  • The lawyer's aggressive questioning was meant to intimidate the witness.
warn

This word is often used when someone is giving a notice of potential danger or advising caution. It has a neutral to positive connotation and is generally used in a protective sense.

  • The weather service issued a warning about the incoming storm.
  • She warned them about the dangers of smoking.

Examples of usage

  • He threatened to break my window if I didn't pay him.
  • The bully threatened to beat up the smaller kids.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling threatened can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, preparing us to react to danger.
  • Research shows that perceived threats can lead to anxiety and stress, impacting mental health.
  • Threat perception varies greatly among individuals and can be influenced by past experiences.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, villains often use threats to instill fear and gain power over heroes.
  • Many songs feature themes of betrayal or threat, expressing emotional turmoil in relationships.
  • Video games frequently incorporate threats as part of the storyline, forcing players to confront challenges.

Environment

  • Climate change poses a significant threat to global ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Various species are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate changes caused by human activities.
  • Conservation efforts aim to address the threats to endangered species and preserve biodiversity.

Legal Context

  • Legally, a threat can be defined as an expression intending to inflict harm or intimidation.
  • In some jurisdictions, making threats can lead to criminal charges, reflecting society's stance on violence.
  • Restrictive laws exist regarding threats, especially in the context of domestic violence and harassment.

Origin of 'threat'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'þreat', meaning 'to threaten or intimidate'.
  • It shares roots with similar words in other Germanic languages that relate to danger or intimidation.
  • The evolution of the term reflects centuries of language growth and shifts in meaning related to safety.

The word 'threat' originated from Old English 'þreat', which meant 'a crowd, throng, troop, band, or company'. Over time, it evolved to represent the idea of a communicated intent to inflict harm or loss on another person or their property. The concept of threats has been prevalent throughout human history as a means of asserting power or control over others in various contexts.

See also: threaten, threatened, threatening.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,634, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.