Threatened: meaning, definitions and examples

⚠️

Add to dictionary

threatened

[ˈθrɛt(ə)nd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling of danger

To express a strong feeling that something bad will happen, often making someone feel afraid or in danger.

Synonyms

bully, intimidate, menace.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
threatened	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	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	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.
bully	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.

Examples of usage

She felt threatened by his aggressive behavior.
The witness claimed to have been threatened by the suspect.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

endangered

To be in a situation where harm or danger is likely to happen, putting one's safety at risk.

Synonyms

endanger, imperil, jeopardize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
threatened	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.
endanger	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.
jeopardize	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.
imperil	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.

Examples of usage

The species is threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction.
The heavy rainfall threatened the stability of the old building.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

warn of harm

To communicate a potential danger or harm that may occur in the future.

Synonyms

caution, forewarn, warn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
threatened	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.
warn	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.
forewarn	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.
caution	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.

Examples of usage

The weather forecast threatened a severe storm approaching.
The teacher threatened detention if the students did not complete their assignments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'þreatian', meaning to stretch out or extend, often in a way that implies danger.
In Middle English, the term evolved to emphasize the idea of making someone feel afraid or alarmed.

Environmental Science

When a species is labeled as threatened, it means its population is declining, risking extinction if nothing changes.
In 1973, the United States passed the Endangered Species Act, which established protections for threatened species and their habitats.

Psychology

Feeling threatened can activate the body's fight or flight response, impacting our physical and emotional state.
Threat perception varies among individuals; what feels dangerous to one person may not to another, influenced by past experiences.

Literature

In literature, the theme of being threatened often drives conflict, from classic tragedies to modern thrillers.
Many authors use the feeling of threat to explore deeper issues, like social injustice or personal growth through adversity.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict characters who feel threatened in survival situations, emphasizing the instinct to survive against all odds.
Threatened narratives play out in video games too, where players must navigate dangerous environments to protect characters or resources.

Translations

Translations of the word "threatened" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ameaçado

🇮🇳 धमकी दी गई

🇩🇪 bedroht

🇮🇩 terancam

🇺🇦 погрожували

🇵🇱 zagrożony

🇯🇵 脅かされた

🇫🇷 menacé

🇪🇸 amenazado

🇹🇷 tehdit edildi

🇰🇷 위협받는

🇸🇦 مهدد

🇨🇿 ohrožený

🇸🇰 ohrozený

🇨🇳 受到威胁的

🇸🇮 ogrožen

🇮🇸 ógnað

🇰🇿 қорқытылған

🇬🇪 დემობილი

🇦🇿 təhdid edilib

🇲🇽 amenazado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,390, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3387 colonial
3388 personally
3389 prefer
3390 threatened
3391 operative
3392 moon
3393 bones
...