Threat: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.