threaten

/ˈθɹɛt.n̩/

verb

To make a threat against someone; to use threats.

Examples :

"He threatened me with a knife."

verb

To menace, or be dangerous.

Examples :

"The angry dog threatened to bite anyone who got too close. "

action situation essential

verb

To portend, or give a warning of.

Examples :

"The black clouds threatened heavy rain."

situation action sign communication future essential

verb

To be close to equaling or surpassing (a record, etc.)

Examples :

"The new student's test score threatened to surpass the class record. "

achievement sport business economy essential

Meanings

Examples :

"He threatened me with a knife."

Examples :

"The angry dog threatened to bite anyone who got too close. "

Examples :

"The black clouds threatened heavy rain."

Examples :

"The new student's test score threatened to surpass the class record. "

Related Words

warning verb

To make (someone) aware of (something impending); especially:

surpassing verb

To go beyond, especially in a metaphoric or technical manner; to exceed.

threats noun

An expression of intent to injure or punish another.

someone noun

A partially specified but unnamed person.

against preposition

In a contrary direction to.

surpass verb

To go beyond, especially in a metaphoric or technical manner; to exceed.

student noun

A person who studies or learns about a particular subject.

threatened verb

To make a threat against someone; to use threats.

equaling verb

To be equal to, to have the same value as; to correspond to.

dangerous adjective

Full of danger.

portend verb

To serve as a warning or omen of.

threat noun

An expression of intent to injure or punish another.