Threat Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：source of danger (threat)

threat 🔊

/θret/

Someone or something that might cause you harm, trouble, or danger.

Threat scene showing an aggressive person intimidating another person

source of danger 🔊

➕

/sɔːrs əv ˈdeɪndʒər/

Someone or something that has the potential to cause harm, trouble, or danger.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'þreat' meaning 'crowd, oppression'; related to 'threaten'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'threat' as 'three + at' — three people at you, posing danger.

📖 Example

Climate change is a serious threat to many coastal cities around the world. 🔊 Climate change is a serious threat to many coastal cities around the world.

🔗 Collocations

pose a threat – to present a danger or risk

security threat – a potential danger to safety or security

threat to health – something that endangers physical or mental well-being

🔄 Synonyms

danger (n.) – The possibility of harm or injury.

menace (n.) – A person or thing that is likely to cause harm.

peril (n.) – Serious and immediate danger.

🚫 Antonyms

safety (n.) – The condition of being free from harm or danger.

protection (n.) – The action of keeping someone or something safe.

security (n.) – The state of being free from danger or threat.

🌱 Derivatives

threaten (v.) – to express an intention to harm or cause trouble.

threatening (adj.) – having a hostile or frightening manner.

threatener (n.) – a person who makes threats.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally from Old English 'þreat' meaning 'a crowd, oppression', it evolved in Middle English to mean 'expression of intent to harm'.