B2verb2K

Threaten

UK /["/ˈθretn/","/ˈθretnz/","/ˈθretnd/","/ˈθretnɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈθretn/","/ˈθretnz/","/ˈθretnd/","/ˈθretnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • endanger, at risk

Antonyms

  • protect
  • defend
  • support

Common mistakes

  • 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').