Threaten: meaning, definitions and examples

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threaten

[ˈθrɛt(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a conflict situation

To express an intention to harm or punish someone, especially in order to make them do something.

Synonyms

coerce, intimidate, menace.

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. He threatened to call the police if the noise didn't stop. They threatened to reveal the company's secrets unless they were paid off.
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. The bully tried to intimidate the smaller kids. He uses his size to intimidate opponents on the basketball court.
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. The dark clouds menaced the small village. He is considered a menace to society.
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. She was coerced into signing the contract. The authorities coerced the confession out of him.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. He threatened to call the police if they didn't turn down the music
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. The growing menace of cyber-attacks worries many experts
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. Her repeated intimidation of colleagues led to her dismissal from the company
warning	Indicates an alert or advice given to caution someone about potential danger or unfavourable outcomes. Generally, it is preventive and not necessarily malicious. The weather service issued a storm warning for the area

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'threatian,' which means to make a threat, or to scare.
In Middle English, it evolved to represent the act of expressing fear or intimidation.
The root also shares ties with the Old Norse word 'þræðja,' which carries similar meanings.

Psychology

Feeling threatened can trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, preparing us for action.
Perceived threats can lead to stress, which affects mental health and can result in anxiety or depression.
Threats can also be social; individuals might feel threatened by competition or exclusion from a group.

Literature

In classic literature, threats often drive the plot, with characters facing moral dilemmas influenced by fear.
Shakespeare’s plays feature numerous threats, illustrating the darker side of human nature and relationships.
Modern novels often explore themes of psychological threat, analyzing the impact of fear on characters’ decisions.

Law

In legal terms, making a threat can be classified as a crime, affecting how individuals can interact with each other.
Threatening behavior is often examined in court cases, as it influences perceptions of intent and risk.
Various jurisdictions distinguish between threats of harm and less serious threats, like those without physical intent.

Pop Culture

Movies often portray villains who threaten protagonists, exemplifying fear as a tool for control and power.
Music lyrics frequently explore themes of threats, using them to express emotions around danger and vulnerability.
The phrase 'I’m not threatening, just warning!' reflects a common cultural trope seen in movies and relationships.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,531 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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