threaten
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈθrɛtən/
KK: /ˈθrɛtən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To express an intention to cause harm or danger to someone or something.
Example
He tends to threaten others when he is angry.
Tense Forms
Past: threatened
Past Participle: threatened
Conversation
I heard that storm clouds can really threaten our picnic plans this weekend.
That's true, but let's hope it holds off until later in the day.
Yeah, I don't want to be caught in the rain while we set up.
Exactly! We should have a backup plan just in case.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
menace
intimidate
bully
Antonyms
assure
comfort
reassure
transitive verb
Definition
To say that you will cause harm or trouble to someone if they do not do what you want.
Example
He threatened to tell her secret if she didn't help him.
Tense Forms
Past: threatened
Past Participle: threatened
Conversation
Did you hear that storm warning? They said it could threaten our plans for the weekend.
Yeah, I saw that too. It's such a bummer!
I really hope it doesn't threaten our trip to the beach.
Root Explanation
Threaten → It is formed from the root "threat" (from Old English *þreat*, meaning a crowd or a force) and the suffix "-en" (indicating to make or to cause). The word "threaten" means to make a force or danger known, implying an intention to cause harm or danger.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'force' or 'crowd' ('threat') that is being made known to someone, which helps you remember that to threaten means to indicate a potential danger.
Visually Confused Words
rethreaten
bethreaten
prethreaten
outthreaten
treatment
wheaten
unthreatened
treater