threaten

• Verbe utilisé pour exprimer l'intention de causer un préjudice, une douleur ou une punition, ou pour indiquer qu'une chose peut présenter un danger ou un risque.

A verb used to indicate the act of expressing an intention to inflict harm, pain, or punishment, or to indicate something that is likely to cause danger or harm.

1. Express intention to harmB1formal

   To state an intention to cause harm, injury, or damage to someone or something.

   menacer

   • The robber threatened the cashier with a gun.
   • He threatened to call the police if they didn't leave.
   • She threatened legal action against the company.

   Synonymesbrowbeatbullycowintimidatemenace

2. Be a danger toB1formal

   To be likely to cause harm or danger to something.

   menacer (être un danger pour)

   • Pollution threatens the survival of many species.
   • The storm threatens to destroy the coastal villages.
   • Economic instability threatens the country's growth.

   Synonymescompromiseendangerhazardimperiljeopardizemenace

   Antonymesguardprotectsafeguardshield

3. Indicate something unpleasantB2formal

   To give warning of something unpleasant or undesirable.

   menacer (annoncer quelque chose de désagréable)

   • Dark clouds threatened rain all afternoon.
   • The building threatened to collapse after the earthquake.
   • His tone threatened an argument.

   Synonymesaugurbetokenforebodeforeshadowmenaceportendpresagesignal

   Antonymescomfortconsolereassure