threaten
/ˈθrɛtən/
verb
- To say that you will cause harm or trouble to someone if they do not do what you want.
- My boss threatened to fire me if I was late again.
- The robber threatened the cashier with a gun.
- She threatened to call the police if he didn't leave.
- To be likely to cause harm or danger to something or someone.
- The storm threatened the coastal towns with flooding.
- Pollution threatens the survival of many fish species.
- The new disease threatened the entire population.
- To be a sign or warning that something bad is going to happen.
- The economy threatened to collapse after the crisis.
- His angry tone threatened a fight.
- Dark clouds threatened rain all afternoon.
Synonyms