Threatener: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone making threats, usually in a serious or dangerous manner, without necessarily engaging in physical intimidation.

• The thief acted as a threatener, promising harm if the victim didn't comply.
• Online anonymity sometimes emboldens individuals to become threateners.

Describes someone whose behavior is meant to make others feel afraid or inferior, often through threatening gestures, words, or actions.

• The mob boss was a notorious intimidator in the community.
• In many stories, the villain acts as an intimidator to the protagonist.

Typically refers to someone who uses physical strength, influence, or intimidation to abuse or coerce others, especially in a school or workplace setting.

• The new kid faced a lot of trouble from the school bully.
• Employees reported their supervisor for being a bully.

Commonly used for someone who persistently disturbs or makes unwanted advances towards another person, often in a sexual or discriminatory manner.

• The company fired the employee who was a known harasser.
• She filed a complaint against her harasser at work.

Used to describe someone who makes threats. Can be a general term for anyone who uses threatening language or behavior, regardless of the severity or type of threat.

• The threatener sent ominous emails to the company.

Describes someone who threatens to cause serious harm or danger. Often implies a sense of immediate danger or a constant source of threat.

• The menacer wielded a weapon, making the entire neighborhood fearful.

Refers to someone who uses threats to demand money or other benefits, typically involving the revealing of embarrassing, damaging, or incriminating information. Has a negative connotation due to the coercive nature of the act.

• The blackmailer demanded $10,000 in exchange for not leaking the photos.

Implies someone who uses threats or violence to create extreme fear, often for political reasons or purposes of causing widespread panic. Carries a very negative and severe implication.

• The terrorizer's actions left the city in a state of fear and uncertainty.