GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   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.
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   Let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
   Acts iv. 17.
   
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   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.
   
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   The skies look grimly
   And threaten present blusters.
   Shak.
   
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   Syn. -- 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.
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   By turns put on the suppliant and the lord:
   Threatened this moment, and the next implored.
   Prior.
   
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   Of the sharp ax
   Regardless, that o'er his devoted head
   Hangs menacing.
   Somerville.
   
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2.       
   Threatening, a. & n. from Threaten, v. -- Threat"en*ing*ly, adv.
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   Threatening letters (Law), letters containing threats, especially those designed to extort money, or to obtain other property, by menaces; blackmailing letters.
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