Cambridge Learner's Dictionary
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Definition
threaten Show phoneticsverb
1 HARM [T] to tell someone that you will kill or hurt them, or cause problems for them if they do not do what you want
He threatened the staff with a gun and demanded money.
[+ to do sth] He threatened to report her to the police.
2 DAMAGE [T] to be likely to cause harm or damage to something or someone
His knee problem is threatening his cycling career.
3 HAPPEN [I] If something bad threatens to happen, it is likely to happen.
[+ to do sth] The conflict threatened to spread to neighbouring countries.
threatening adjective
threatening behaviour
threateningly adverb
