menacing

adjective

men·​ac·​ing ˈme-nə-siŋ 

: presenting, suggesting, or constituting a menace or threat : threatening

a menacing look

menacing words

[Harold E. Edgerton] … was also one of the first to take photographs of the menacing mushroom cloud emanating from a nuclear blast.

—Benjamin Genocchio

Ransomware is a menacing scam that involves locking businesses out of their computers and demanding payment of a ransom in exchange for the return of company systems and data.

—Roger Williams

The image is chilling: a series of menacing bear traps laid out like footsteps.

—Emily DeNitto

menacingly adverb

A man stepped menacingly from the corner brandishing a long pole …

—Elizabeth George Speare

"If you shout his name I will curse you into oblivion," muttered Tonks menacingly …

—J. K. Rowling

Examples of menacing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The youngest boy was charged with assault, while a 15-year-old boy was hit with assault, menacing and weapon possession charges after the victim was stabbed in the armpit and abdomen in Maria Hernandez Park near Starr St. and Irving Ave. —Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025

If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2025

That’s the menacing question the political classes have been whispering all summer. —Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025

Nonetheless, the show’s premiere provides the perfect moment to map out the slimy, menacing world of Ellen Ripley and company in their epic battle against one of the galaxy’s fiercest creatures. —Dan Heching, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English manacyng, from present participle of manacen "to menace entry 2"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above