B2verb 2K

Threaten

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈθretn/","/ˈθretnz/","/ˈθretnd/","/ˈθretnɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈθretn/","/ˈθretnz/","/ˈθretnd/","/ˈθretnɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Threaten

to say that you will cause trouble, hurt somebody, etc. if you do not get what you want

In simple words: To say you will hurt someone or do something bad to them.

Threaten in a sentence

• The bully would often threaten the younger kids at school.
• They are trying to threaten us into submission with their demands.
• The dark clouds in the sky seem to threaten an impending storm.
• She didn't want to threaten her friend with a loss of trust.
• New regulations could threaten the stability of the small business.

How to use Threaten

Use 'threaten' when discussing intentions to cause harm or trouble. It is appropriate in both serious and casual contexts, but be cautious in informal settings as it may sound aggressive.

Grammar pattern

threaten + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'three ten' — imagine someone threatening you while counting down from three to ten.

Related words

Collocations with Threaten

• publicly
• personally
• physically
• with
• feel threatened
• gravely
• seriously
• severely
• could
• appear to
• seem to
• be threatened with something
• gravely
• seriously
• severely
• could
• appear to
• seem to
• be threatened with something

Synonyms for Threaten

• endanger, at risk

Opposites of Threaten

• protect
• defend
• support

Common mistakes with Threaten

• Confusing it with 'threat,' which is a noun.
• Using 'threaten' with a preposition (e.g., 'threaten to someone' is incorrect).
• Forgetting to use it in the right tense (e.g., 'He threaten yesterday' instead of 'He threatened yesterday').

Frequently asked questions about Threaten

What does Threaten mean?

To say you will hurt someone or do something bad to them.

What is the definition of Threaten?

to say that you will cause trouble, hurt somebody, etc. if you do not get what you want

How do you use Threaten in a sentence?

The bully would often threaten the younger kids at school.

Can you give another example of Threaten?

They are trying to threaten us into submission with their demands.

What are synonyms for Threaten?

Common alternatives include endanger, at risk.

What is the opposite of Threaten?

Opposite meanings include protect, defend, support.

What words go with Threaten?

It commonly pairs with publicly, personally, physically, with, feel threatened, gravely, seriously, severely, could, appear to, seem to, be threatened with something, gravely, seriously, severely, could, appear to, seem to, be threatened with something.

What are common mistakes when using Threaten?

Confusing it with 'threat,' which is a noun. Using 'threaten' with a preposition (e.g., 'threaten to someone' is incorrect). Forgetting to use it in the right tense (e.g., 'He threaten yesterday' instead of 'He threatened yesterday').

How do you pronounce Threaten?

US: /["/ˈθretn/","/ˈθretnz/","/ˈθretnd/","/ˈθretnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈθretn/","/ˈθretnz/","/ˈθretnd/","/ˈθretnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Threaten?

Use 'threaten' when discussing intentions to cause harm or trouble. It is appropriate in both serious and casual contexts, but be cautious in informal settings as it may sound aggressive.

What CEFR level is Threaten?

"Threaten" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.