Threat
/θrɛt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA statement of an intention to harm someone or do something unpleasant.
/θrɛt/
A declaration of an intention to inflict pain, injury, or punishment.
The email contained a serious threat to the company's security.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone saying they'll do something bad to you if you don't do what they want. That's a threat! Like, "If you don't give me your candy, I'll tell on you!"
👶 For kids: A threat is when someone says they're going to do something mean or scary to you.
More Examples
The environmentalists spoke out against the threat of deforestation.
She ignored the threat of punishment and spoke her mind.
How It's Used
"The defendant made a death threat against the witness."
"The country faced a threat of economic sanctions."
"He perceived the note as a threat to his safety."
To express a warning of a likely or intended future harm.
/θrɛt/
To state one's intention to harm or punish someone.
He threatened to quit his job if they didn't give him a raise.
💡 Simply: To say you're going to do something bad or unpleasant if someone doesn't do what you want. Like saying, "If you don't share your toys, I'm not going to play with you!"
👶 For kids: To threaten is when you tell someone you're going to do something bad to them.
More Examples
The storm threatened to cause flooding in the low-lying areas.
The government threatened to impose tariffs on imported goods.
How It's Used
"He threatened to sue the newspaper for libel."
"She threatened to call the police if he didn't leave."
"The storm threatened to damage the crops."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a clear and present threat
A danger that is obvious and immediate.
"The security guard was trained to identify a clear and present threat."
under threat
In a situation where danger or harm is possible.
"The endangered species are under constant threat from habitat loss."
From Middle English thret, threate, from Old English þrēat (pressure, oppression), from Proto-Germanic *þrautą. Related to Old High German drōan (to threaten).
The word 'threat' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to pressure or oppression before evolving to its modern sense of a warning.
Memory tip
Think of a *threat* as something you'd be afraid of, like a lion wanting to eat you.
Word Origin
"pressure, oppression"