threaten meaning and definition

THREATEN verb

Definition of threaten (verb)

1. pose a threat to; present a danger to
   • "The pollution is endangering the crops"
   • synonyms: endanger, imperil, jeopardise, jeopardize, menace, peril
2. to utter intentions of injury or punishment agains
   • "He threatened me when I tried to call the police"
3. to be a menacing indication of somethin
   • "The clouds threaten rain"; "Danger threatens"