threat

1 of 2

noun

ˈthret 

1

: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage

2

: one that threatens

3

: an indication of something impending

the sky held a threat of rain

threat

2 of 2

verb

threated; threating; threats

archaic

: threaten

Synonyms

Noun

• danger
• hazard
• imminence
• menace
• peril
• pitfall
• risk
• trouble

Examples of threat in a Sentence

Noun

He was willing to use violence and threats to get what he wanted.

She ignored their threats and continued to do what she felt was right.

a country under threat of civil war

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There are not now, nor have there ever been, similar detailed threats from other candidates of either party. —Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 26 July 2024

After scores of missiles fired at the city on July 23rd were successfully intercepted, the threat level on July 24th was on medium level two of three with concern that Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress that afternoon could serve as a prime time for a fresh attack. —Etgar Lefkovits, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2024

Gone is the team’s top outside threat from a year ago in Jadeveon Clowney, who had 9 1/2 of the Ravens’ league-leading 60 sacks. —Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2024

Advertisement Industry observers viewed that as a strong threat to sue the league. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English thret coercion, threat, from Old English thrēat coercion; akin to Middle High German drōz annoyance, Latin trudere to push, thrust

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threat

• bomb threat
• counter-threat
• empty threat
• idle threat
• triple threat
• under threat

Kids Definition

threat

noun

ˈthret

1

: an expression of an intent to do harm

stop making threats

2

: something that threatens

the volcano was a threat to the village

3

: an indication of something impending

the sky held a threat of rain

Legal Definition

threat

noun

: an expression of an intention to injure another : menace sense 1

criminal laws against making terroristic threats