1 menacing | Definition of menacing

menacing

adjective
men·​ac·​ing | \ ˈme-nÉ™-siÅ‹ How to pronounce menacing (audio) \

Definition of menacing

: presenting, suggesting, or constituting a menace or threat : threatening a menacing look menacing words [Harold E. Edgerton] … was also one of the first to take photographs of the menacing mushroom cloud emanating from a nuclear blast.— Benjamin Genocchio Ransomware is a menacing scam that involves locking businesses out of their computers and demanding payment of a ransom in exchange for the return of company systems and data.— Roger Williams The image is chilling: a series of menacing bear traps laid out like footsteps.— Emily DeNitto

Other Words from menacing

menacingly adverb
A man stepped menacingly from the corner brandishing a long pole … — Elizabeth George Speare "If you shout his name I will curse you into oblivion," muttered Tonks menacingly … — J. K. Rowling

First Known Use of menacing

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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More from Merriam-Webster on menacing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for menacing

Spanish Central: Translation of menacing

Nglish: Translation of menacing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of menacing for Arabic Speakers