Definition of threaten
1
: to utter threats against
2a
: to give signs or warning of : portend
the clouds threatened rain
b
: to hang over dangerously : menace
famine threatens the city
3
: to announce as intended or possible
the workers threatened a strike
4
: to cause to feel insecure or anxious
felt threatened by his brother's success
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for threaten
The first known use of threaten was in the 13th century
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