threaten

• 表示意图伤害、惩罚或用言语行为恐吓他人，也可指某事物预示危险或带来威胁。

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.

   威胁

   • 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.

   同义词browbeatbullycowintimidatemenace

2. Be a danger toB1formal

   To be likely to cause harm or danger to something.

   威胁

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

   同义词compromiseendangerhazardimperiljeopardizemenace

   反义词guardprotectsafeguardshield

3. Indicate something unpleasantB2formal

   To give warning of something unpleasant or undesirable.

   预示不祥

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

   同义词augurbetokenforebodeforeshadowmenaceportendpresagesignal

   反义词comfortconsolereassure