Definition of: threaten

(thret′n) v.t.
1. To utter menaces or threats against.
2. To be menacing or dangerous to.
3. To be ominous or portentous of.
4. To utter threats of (injury, vengeance, etc.).
—v.i.
5. To utter threats.
6. To have a menacing aspect; lower: The rising waters seemed to threaten. [OE thrēatnian urge, compel]
—threat′en·er noun
—threat′en·ing·ly adverb Synonym: menace. Threaten is applied alike to vast and trivial matters; menace only to those of moment. Either persons or things may threaten; menace is chiefly used of persons or of things personified. One may threaten by word or act; menace is for the most part limited to actions or concrete things; one threatens another with death; he menaces him with a revolver.