plural menaces
1
a
: a dangerous or possibly harmful person or thing
—usually singular
Those dogs are a menace.
—often + toThose dogs are a menace to the neighborhood.
a criminal who is a menace to society
b
: someone who causes trouble or annoyance
—usually singular
That kid is a menace.
2
: a dangerous or threatening quality
There was an atmosphere of menace in the city.
She could hear the menace in his voice.
menaces; menaced; menacing
somewhat formal
: to threaten harm to (someone or something)
—often used as (be) menaced
She was menaced by a man with a knife.
a country menaced by war
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/menace. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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