Menacing
/ˈmɛnəsɪŋ/
Definitions
Threatening or likely to cause harm; suggesting the presence of danger.
/ˈmɛnəsɪŋ/
Suggesting the presence of danger; threatening.
The menacing glare of the stranger sent shivers down her spine.
💡 Simply: When something is *menacing*, it seems like it's going to cause you some trouble. Like a scary dog growling at you!
👶 For kids: When something is menacing, it looks like it's going to be mean or scary.
More Examples
The dark forest looked menacing at night.
The storm's menacing approach caused widespread panic.
How It's Used
"The menacing storm clouds gathered overhead."
"The security forces described the protesters as menacing."
Idioms & expressions
menacing look
A look that shows a threat or shows intent to cause harm.
"He gave a menacing look at the person who cut in line."
menace to society
Someone who is considered dangerous and harmful to the public.
"The criminal was seen as a menace to society due to his violent actions."
From Middle English *menes* (threat) derived from Old French *menace*, from Vulgar Latin *minacia* (threats), plural of *minacia* 'threat' from Latin *minax* 'threatening', from *minari* 'to threaten'.
The word 'menacing' has been used to describe situations, actions, and appearances that signal danger or an intent to harm for centuries, seen in literature, legal contexts, and descriptions of historical events.
Memory tip
Imagine a *menacing* shadow – it makes you want to run and hide!