threaten

Meaning

to express an intention to harm or punish someone; to be likely to cause harm

to state or show an intention to harm or punish someone

Example Sentences

The storm clouds threaten to bring heavy rain tonight.

He threatened to report the incident to the authorities.

Synonyms

menace, intimidate, warn, endanger, coerce

Entry 1

menace, intimidate, warn, endanger

Entry 2

warn, intimidate, menace, coerce

Antonyms

protect, defend, reassure, comfort, encourage, support

Entry 1

protect, defend, reassure, comfort

Entry 2

encourage, reassure, support

Collocations

threaten to, threaten with, threaten someone, pose a threat, threaten harm, threaten to do

Entry 1

threaten to, threaten with, threaten someone, pose a threat

Entry 2

threaten with, threaten harm, threaten to do