What is the correct pronunciation of threaten and what does threaten mean?
threaten
verb
How to pronounce threaten?
The word threaten sounds like threat-en
/'θrɛtən/
What is the definition of threaten?
verbpose a threat to; present a danger to
verbto be a menacing indication of something
Examples
- The clouds threaten rain
- Danger threatens
verbto utter intentions of injury or punishment against
Examples
- He threatened me when I tried to call the police
What is the meaning of the word 'threaten'?
- To state one's intention to harm someone or something or to cause problems for them.
- To give warnings or indications of potential harm or danger.
What are some synonyms of 'threaten'?
- Intimidate
- Menace
- Force
- bully
- harass
How is 'threaten' used in a sentence?
- She threatened to call the police if he didn't leave.
- The dark clouds threatened to ruin the picnic.
- He threatened her with a sharp knife.
What is the origin of the word 'threaten'?
- The word 'threaten' originates from the Old French 'trehen', based on the Latin 'terere' meaning 'to frighten' or 'to terrify'.
Is 'threaten' a verb or a noun?
- 'Threaten' is primarily used as a verb.
What are the different forms of 'threaten'?
- Threaten (base form), threatens (third person singular), threatening (present participle), threatened (past tense and past participle).
What are common collocations with 'threaten'?
- Threaten to leave
- Threaten to sue
- Threaten with violence
- Threaten someone's safety
Is 'threaten' used in legal contexts?
- Yes, 'threaten' is often used in legal contexts to describe actions that threaten someone's safety or rights, such as in cases of threats or intimidation.
What is the difference between 'threaten' and 'warning'?
- 'Threaten' involves declaring or implying harm or danger, often with an intention to intimidate, while 'warning' is an alert or advice about potential danger without necessarily implying an intention to harm.
Can 'threaten' be used in a figurative sense?
- Yes, 'threaten' can be used figuratively to describe situations that indicate possible problems or negative outcomes, such as 'The looming recession threatens the economy.'
