Threat: meaning, definitions and examples

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threat

 

[ θrɛt ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
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

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

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

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

Translations of the word "threat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ameaça

🇮🇳 धमकी

🇩🇪 Bedrohung

🇮🇩 ancaman

🇺🇦 загроза

🇵🇱 zagrożenie

🇯🇵 脅威 (きょうい)

🇫🇷 menace

🇪🇸 amenaza

🇹🇷 tehdit

🇰🇷 위협 (wiheom)

🇸🇦 تهديد

🇨🇿 hrozba

🇸🇰 hrozba

🇨🇳 威胁 (wēixié)

🇸🇮 grožnja

🇮🇸 ógn

🇰🇿 қатер

🇬🇪 მუქარა

🇦🇿 təhlükə

🇲🇽 amenaza

Etymology

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.