Threat: meaning, definitions and examples
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threat
[ θrɛt ]
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
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.
person or thing likely to cause damage or danger
A person or thing that is likely to cause damage or danger.
Synonyms
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.
express intention to harm
To state one's intention to cause harm, danger, or damage to someone or something.
Synonyms
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
Word origin
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.