Threatened: meaning, definitions and examples

Similar to the earlier description, it is often used when someone feels endangered or at risk due to specific actions or words.

• After receiving the letter, he felt threatened.
• The wildlife in the area is threatened by deforestation.

Intimidate is used when someone uses fear to make another person do something or feel a certain way, often by appearing threatening or using aggressive behavior.

• The gang members tried to intimidate the witnesses.
• Her stern look was enough to intimidate the students into silence.

Menace refers to someone or something that is a danger or threat. It has a more formal tone and is used in both personal and broader societal contexts.

• The abandoned house is a menace to the neighborhood.
• He was considered a menace to society.

This word is often applied when someone uses their strength or power to hurt or intimidate someone else, usually repeatedly. It is commonly used in the context of children in schools but can also refer to adults in workplaces.

• The older students used to bully the younger kids during recess.
• He was bullied at work by his boss.

Used when someone or something is in danger of being harmed or damaged, often from an external source. Typically implies a more immediate risk.

• The wildlife in the forest is threatened by illegal logging.
• She felt threatened by his aggressive behavior.

Used when putting someone or something in a situation where there is a high risk of harm or damage. Often seen in more formal or legal contexts.

• Pollution can endanger marine life.
• Breaking the speed limit endangers all the passengers.

Often used when actions or events put something valuable (like a plan, future, or relationship) at risk of failure or harm. Frequently seen in professional or serious discussions.

• By lying to the boss, he jeopardized his chances for a promotion.
• Missed deadlines can jeopardize the project’s success.

Has a formal tone and is used to describe a situation where something very valuable or important is put at great risk of harm or loss.

• His reckless actions imperil our chances of winning the contract.
• Uploading unverified software could imperil the entire network.

Used when describing feeling in danger or under risk from someone or something. This word often has a negative connotation.

• She felt threatened by his aggressive behavior.
• The animal was threatened by the deforestation.

Used when informing someone about a possible danger or undesirable outcome to help them avoid it. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

• I warned him about the slippery floor.
• The weather report warned of an incoming storm.

Used when alerting someone in advance about a possible danger or problem that might arise. It implies giving prior warning.

• The guide forewarned us about the steep terrain ahead.
• She was forewarned about the possible side effects of the medication.

Used when advising someone to be careful and take preventative measures to avoid danger or harm. It is often used in a general sense for warning or advice.

• The sign says to exercise caution while crossing the street.
• He approached the situation with caution to avoid any mishaps.