English dictionary



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English verb: threaten

1. threaten (stative) pose a threat to; present a danger to


SamplesThe pollution is endangering the crops.


Synonymsendanger, imperil, jeopardise, jeopardize, menace, peril


Pattern of useSomething ----s somebody.
Something ----s something.
Somebody ----s to INFINITIVE


Broader (hypernym)be, exist

2. threaten (communication) to utter intentions of injury or punishment against:


SamplesHe threatened me when I tried to call the police.


ExamplesSam cannot threaten Sue


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody.
Something ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody with something.
Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE


Broader (hypernym)warn


Narrower (hyponym)offer

3. threaten (communication) to be a menacing indication of something:


SamplesThe clouds threaten rain.
Danger threatens.


Pattern of useSomething ----s.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)augur, auspicate, betoken, bode, forecast, foreshadow, foretell, omen, portend, predict, prefigure, presage, prognosticate









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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