to threaten
01
威胁
to say that one is willing to damage something or hurt someone if one's demands are not met
Transitive: to threaten sb | to threaten to do sth
例子
The robber threatened the store clerk with a knife if they did n't hand over the money.
劫匪用刀威胁店员，如果不交钱的话。
The bully threatened to beat up the smaller kid if they did n't give him their lunch money.
霸凌者威胁要打那个更小的孩子，如果他们不给他午餐钱的话。
02
威胁, 构成威胁
to indicate a potential danger or risk to someone or something
Transitive: to threaten sth
例子
His aggressive behavior began to threaten the safety of those around him.
他的攻击性行为开始威胁到周围人的安全。
The economic downturn threatened the stability of many businesses.
经济衰退威胁了许多企业的稳定。
03
威胁, 预示
to show signs or provide a warning of something bad or harmful that may happen
Transitive: to threaten an undesirable situation
例子
The darkening sky threatened rain, prompting people to leave the beach.
变暗的天空预示着要下雨，促使人们离开海滩。
The loud growls of the dog threatened an attack if anyone got too close.
狗的大声咆哮威胁着如果任何人靠得太近就会发动攻击。
词汇树
threatened
threatening
threatening
threaten
