GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 2 definitions
-
Threaten , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Threatened ; p. pr. & vb. n. Threatening.] [OE. þretenen. See Threat, v. t.]
- To utter threats against; to menace; to inspire with apprehension; to alarm, or attempt to alarm, as with the promise of something evil or disagreeable; to warn.1913 Webster
Let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Acts iv. 17.1913 Webster - To exhibit the appearance of (something evil or unpleasant) as approaching; to indicate as impending; to announce the conditional infliction of; as, to threaten war; to threaten death.Milton.1913 Webster
The skies look grimly
And threaten present blusters.Shak.1913 WebsterSyn. -- To menace. -- Threaten, Menace. Threaten is Anglo-Saxon, and menace is Latin. As often happens, the former is the more familiar term; the latter is more employed in formal style. We are threatened with a drought; the country is menaced with war.
1913 WebsterBy turns put on the suppliant and the lord:
Threatened this moment, and the next implored.Prior.1913 WebsterOf the sharp ax
Regardless, that o'er his devoted head
Hangs menacing.Somerville.1913 Webster
- To utter threats against; to menace; to inspire with apprehension; to alarm, or attempt to alarm, as with the promise of something evil or disagreeable; to warn.
-
Threaten, v. i. To use threats, or menaces; also, to have a threatening appearance.1913 Webster
Though the seas threaten, they are merciful.
Shak.1913 Webster