threaten
UK: ˈθretn | US: ˈθretn
vt. to express an intention to harm or punish someone
vt. to be a source of potential danger or harm
vi. to give warning signs of something undesirable
The word "threaten" evolved from Old English þreatian, meaning "to oppress or menace." The root þreat originally referred to a hostile crowd or force, later narrowing to mean "intimidation." The suffix -en was added to form the verb, a common pattern in English (e.g., "strengthen," "lengthen"). Over time, "threaten" shifted from physical coercion to broader implications of harm or warning.
The storm clouds threaten heavy rain tonight.
He threatened to resign if his demands were ignored.
Illegal logging threatens the survival of endangered species.
Her tone sounded friendly, but her words subtly threatened consequences.
The dictator’s regime threatened dissenters with imprisonment.