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to threaten
01
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
Examples
The robber threatened the store clerk with a knife if they did n't hand over the money.
The bully threatened to beat up the smaller kid if they did n't give him their lunch money.
02
to indicate a potential danger or risk to someone or something
Transitive: to threaten sth
Examples
His aggressive behavior began to threaten the safety of those around him.
The economic downturn threatened the stability of many businesses.
03
to show signs or provide a warning of something bad or harmful that may happen
Transitive: to threaten an undesirable situation
Examples
The darkening sky threatened rain, prompting people to leave the beach.
The loud growls of the dog threatened an attack if anyone got too close.
Lexical Tree
threatened
threatening
threatening
threaten
