threatening

• Qui exprime ou indique une menace de danger ou de mal, ou qui inspire la peur par son aspect ou son comportement.

Describes something that expresses or indicates a threat of harm or danger.

1. Expressing a threatB2formal

   Indicating or conveying an intention to cause harm or trouble.

   menaçant

   • He received a threatening letter from an unknown sender.
   • The politician made threatening remarks against his opponents.
   • Her tone was threatening, making everyone feel uneasy.

   Synonymesintimidatingmenacingminaciousminatory

   Antonymesbenevolentcomfortingfriendlyreassuringsoothing

2. Dangerous or ominousB2formal

   Suggesting that something bad or dangerous is likely to happen.

   menaçant, inquiétant

   • Dark, threatening clouds gathered on the horizon.
   • The forest had a threatening atmosphere after sunset.
   • The animal's growl was low and threatening.

   Synonymesalarmingbalefuldireforbiddinggrimintimidatingmenacingminatoryominousportentoussinister

   Antonymesauspiciousbenigncomfortingharmlesspromisingreassuringsafe

• 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