Reading Theme:
Threaten: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：intimidate (threaten)
threaten
/ˈθretn/
v.
To say that you will do something bad to someone if they do not do what you want.
intimidate
➕
/ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/
v.
To express an intention to inflict harm or punishment on someone to compel them to act in a certain way.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Old English 'þreat' (pressure) + suffix '-en' (to make).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'THREAT' + 'EN' – when you THREATen, you make a THREAT to ENforce your will.
📖 Example
My friend was upset and threatened to delete all our vacation photos if I didn't apologize.
My friend, upset, threatened to delete all our vacation photos unless I apologized.
🔗 Collocations
threaten to do something – express an intention to perform a harmful action
threaten someone with consequences – warn someone of negative outcomes if they disobey
threaten legal action – declare the intention to take legal steps
🔄 Synonyms
intimidate (v.) – to frighten or threaten someone to make them do something
menace (v.) – to threaten in a menacing way
coerce (v.) – to persuade someone to do something by using force or threats
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
threat (n.) – a statement of an intention to inflict harm or punishment
threatening (adj.) – expressing or suggesting a threat
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'threaten' originates from Old English 'þreatian', meaning to press or oppress. In modern usage, it is common in legal, political, and interpersonal contexts to indicate coercion or danger.
Meaning 2：endanger (threaten)
threaten
/ˈθretn/
v.
To be likely to cause harm or damage to something.
endanger
➕
/ɪnˈdeɪndʒər/
v.
To be a source of potential harm or damage to something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The long drought continues to threaten this year's harvest of wheat.
The prolonged drought is putting this year's wheat harvest at risk.
🔗 Collocations
threaten the environment – pose a risk to the natural surroundings
threaten biodiversity – endanger the variety of life forms
threaten to destroy – be likely to cause complete damage
🔄 Synonyms
endanger (v.) – to put someone or something at risk of harm or damage
jeopardize (v.) – to put something in a situation where there is a risk of loss or harm
imperil (v.) – to put at risk of being harmed or destroyed
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
threat (n.) – a statement of an intention to inflict harm or punishment
threatening (adj.) – expressing or suggesting a threat
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser