menace

²menace

verb

men·acedmen·ac·ing

Definition of MENACE

transitive verb

1

: to make a show of intention to harm

2

: to represent or pose a threat to : endanger

intransitive verb

: to act in a threatening manner

— men·ac·ing·ly \-nə-siŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of MENACE

1. <menaced the children by leaving them in the car unattended>
2. <stockpiles of nuclear weapons that continue to menace the inhabitants of this planet>

First Known Use of MENACE

14th century

Related to MENACE

Synonyms: adventure, compromise, gamble (with), hazard, imperil, jeopard, jeopardize, endanger, peril, risk, venture

Related Words: intimidate, threaten; expose; subject; chance, wager

Near Antonyms: guard, protect, shelter, shield; preserve, resume, save

see all synonyms and antonyms

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