threaten

Definitions


[ˈθrɛtn], (Verb)

Definitions:
- state one's intention to take hostile action against (someone) in retribution for something done or not done
(e.g: how dare you threaten me?)

- cause (someone or something) to be vulnerable or at risk; endanger
(e.g: a broken finger threatened his career)


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English thrēatnian ‘urge or induce, especially by using threats’, from thrēat (see threat)




definition by Oxford Dictionaries