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threat

noun
\ ˈthret How to pronounce threat (audio) \

Definition of threat

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
2 : one that threatens
3 : an indication of something impending the sky held a threat of rain

threat

verb
threated; threating; threats

Definition of threat (Entry 2 of 2)

archaic
: threaten
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about threat

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Examples of threat in a Sentence

Noun

 He was willing to use violence and threats to get what he wanted. She ignored their threats and continued to do what she felt was right. a country under threat of civil war
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Goalie Sofia Sorteberg and defender Anna Corona play big roles in back, Chiara Menegatti is the midfield glue and Aalivia Wainwright is a big threat up front. — Baltimore Sun Staff, baltimoresun.com, "2019 Baltimore-area girls soccer preseason Top 15 poll," 2 Sep. 2019 However, that trip was canceled as the threat posed by Hurricane Dorian became more clear. — Josiah Bates, Time, "President Trump Seen at the Golf Course While Hurricane Dorian Approaches the U.S.," 2 Sep. 2019 One steamy high-fire-threat evening last year in Mission Valley, Capstone workers assigned to a utility crew spotted smoke curling up from Mission Valley. — Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Hot issue: as wildfires spread, so do private firefighting firms," 1 Sep. 2019 Recession risks have risen recently with an escalation in the trade war, and analysts are still betting that threat will prompt Trump to reach a deal with China, if only to avoid damaging his reelection bid. — Los Angeles Times, "Latest round of Trump’s tariffs on China takes effect on many consumer goods," 1 Sep. 2019 Schwartz provides elite speed, both on sweeps and as a deep threat downfield who could stretch Oregon’s defense. — Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, "Tiger Buzz: Breaking down Auburn-Oregon," 31 Aug. 2019 How have South Korea and Japan reacted to this alarming threat? — The Economist, "South Korea and Japan are taking their historical feud too far," 31 Aug. 2019 Reardon’s Instagram account drew attention as it was filled with anti-Semitic slurs and threats. — Breanna Edwards, Essence, "Ohio Federal Prosecutor Drags White Supremacists As 'Cowards'," 30 Aug. 2019 The companies’ proposal—and ballot measure threat—come in response to Assembly Bill 5, a measure already approved by the state Assembly and widely expected to pass the Senate in the remaining two weeks of the legislative session. — Wired, "A California Bill Has Uber and Lyft Running Scared," 30 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'threat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of threat

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for threat

Noun

Middle English thret coercion, threat, from Old English thrēat coercion; akin to Middle High German drōz annoyance, Latin trudere to push, thrust

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More Definitions for threat

threat

noun
How to pronounce threat (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of threat

: a statement saying you will be harmed if you do not do what someone wants you to do
: someone or something that could cause trouble, harm, etc.
: the possibility that something bad or harmful could happen

See the full definition for threat in the English Language Learners Dictionary

threat

noun
\ ˈthret How to pronounce threat (audio) \

Kids Definition of threat

1 : the act of showing an intention to do harm
2 : someone or something that threatens the threat of punishment

threat

noun

Legal Definition of threat

: an expression of an intention to injure another : menace sense 1 criminal laws against making terroristic threats

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More from Merriam-Webster on threat

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with threat

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for threat

Spanish Central: Translation of threat

Nglish: Translation of threat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of threat for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about threat

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