threaten
verb /ˈθret.ən/Definition
1. Definition
2. Practise
B2 [T] to tell someone that you will kill or hurt them, or cause problems for them if they do not do what you want: They threatened the shopkeeper with a gun. [+ to infinitive] They threatened to kill him unless he did as they asked.Dangers and threats C1 [T] to be likely to cause harm or damage to something or someone: Changing patterns of agriculture are threatening the countryside.Dangers and threatsDamaging and spoilingDestroying and demolishing C2 [I] If something bad threatens to happen, it is likely to happen: Look at those clouds! There's a storm threatening.Possible and probable
(Definition of threaten verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
Browse related topics
You are looking at an entry to do with Damaging and spoiling, but you might be interested in these topics from the Breaking and damaging topic area:
- Destroying and demolishing
- Deteriorating and making worse
- Exploding and erupting
- Fragile and breakable
- Hitting against objects accidentally and colliding
- Hitting and beating
- In bad condition
- Injuring and injuries
- Scratching and rubbing
- Squeezing and grinding
- Tearing and breaking into pieces
- Undamaged, unbroken or in good condition
- Upsetting and destabilizing
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Synonyms and related words:
- adulterate verb
- at the expense of sb idiom
- bastardize verb
- be hoist(ed) with/by your own petard idiom
- bite verb (AFFECT BADLY)
- cheapen verb (RESPECT LESS)
- cost sb dear idiom
- degrade verb (SPOIL)
- do for sb/sth phrasal verb
- flaw verb
- foul (sth) up phrasal verb
- gild the lily idiom
- gnaw away at sth phrasal verb
- go west idiom
- interfere with sth phrasal verb
- punishing noun
- punishment noun (BAD TREATMENT)
- put sth out of joint idiom
- queer verb
- rain on sb's parade idiom
Topic:
Damaging and spoiling
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
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