menace
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1men·ace
noun \ˈme-nəs\Definition of MENACE
1
: a show of intention to inflict harm : threat
2
a : one that represents a threat : danger b : an annoying person
See Examples of MENACE
- There was an atmosphere of menace in the city.
- She could hear the menace in his voice.
Origin of MENACE
Middle English manace, from Anglo-French manace, menace, from Latin minacia, from minac-, minax threatening, from minari to threaten — more at mount
First Known Use: 14th century
2menace
verbmen·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
- <menaced the children by leaving them in the car unattended>
- <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
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