Threaten: meaning, definitions and examples
💣
threaten
[ ˈθrɛt(ə)n ]
in a conflict situation
To express an intention to harm or punish someone, especially in order to make them do something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| threaten |
Used when someone expresses an intention to cause harm or trouble if their demands are not met. It can be both direct and indirect, and it doesn’t necessarily involve physical violence.
|
| intimidate |
Used when someone tries to make another person feel scared or frightened so they will do what is wanted. It's generally more about inducing fear than making direct threats.
|
| menace |
Used when someone or something poses a danger or threat, often in a more general or vague way. It can refer to a person’s behavior or a general feeling of danger.
|
| coerce |
Used when someone forces another person to do something against their will, usually by using pressure or threats. This word often implies an abuse of power.
|
Examples of usage
- He threatened to sue if I didn't pay.
- She felt threatened by his aggressive behavior.
- If you threaten her again, I'll call the police.
general
A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone.
Synonyms
intimidation, menace, warning.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| threaten |
Used when someone expresses that they will cause harm or unpleasant consequences if their demands are not met. Often connotes a serious intention.
|
| menace |
Describes a person or situation that suggests the presence of danger or harm. Can be used to describe a general sense of threat rather than a specific action.
|
| intimidation |
Refers to the act of making someone feel afraid, often deliberately, to force them into submission or compliance. This word carries a negative connotation.
|
| warning |
Indicates an alert or advice given to caution someone about potential danger or unfavourable outcomes. Generally, it is preventive and not necessarily malicious.
|
Examples of usage
- He received a threat of violence if he didn't comply.
- They took the threat seriously and increased security measures.
- The threat of sanctions forced them to negotiate.
Translations
Translations of the word "threaten" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ameaçar
🇮🇳 धमकी देना
🇩🇪 drohen
🇮🇩 mengancam
🇺🇦 погрожувати
🇵🇱 grozić
🇯🇵 脅す
🇫🇷 menacer
🇪🇸 amenazar
🇹🇷 tehdit etmek
🇰🇷 위협하다
🇸🇦 يهدد
🇨🇿 vyhrožovat
🇸🇰 vyhrážať
🇨🇳 威胁
🇸🇮 ogrožati
🇮🇸 ógna
🇰🇿 қорқыту
🇬🇪 მუქარა
🇦🇿 təhdid etmək
🇲🇽 amenazar
Etymology
The word 'threaten' originated from the Old English word 'þreatian', which means 'to press, urge, or threaten'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the concept of expressing an intention to harm or punish someone. The use of threats has been a common tool in conflicts and negotiations throughout history, often used to exert control or influence over others.
See also: threat, threatened, threatening.