Threaten: meaning, definitions and examples
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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
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
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
Word origin
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.