Definitions for threaten

• Definition
• Anagrams (220)

threaten threat·en

Spelling: [thret-n]

IPA: /ˈθrɛt n/

Threaten is a 8 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 11 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 11 points.

You can make 220 anagrams from letters in threaten (aeehnrtt).

Definitions for threaten

verb (used with object)

1. to utter a threat against; menace:
2. to be a menace or source of danger to:
3. to offer (a punishment, injury, etc.) by way of a threat:
4. to give an ominous indication of:

verb (used without object)

1. to utter or use threats.
2. to indicate impending evil or mischief.

Origin of threaten

before 1000; Middle English thretnen, Old English thrēatnian, derivative of thrēat pressure, oppression. See threat, -en¹

Examples for threaten

It seemed to threaten no such consequences at its commencement.

Never again attempt to threaten people of property and station.

Second, they threaten one of the most precious resources in our state: public education that is open to all children.

But that nevertheless he will not threaten either his own life, or that of any other man.

My husband used my immigration status to threaten me for over twelve years.

The letter attacks Braley for having “willingly voted for extreme measures that threaten the lives of unborn children.”

“I meet with the editors, I write them letters, I threaten them,” he said.

Anyone willing to threaten war over a joke is clearly not playing with a full deck.

You shall not threaten me into a rashness that my heart condemns!

Why should the Congregation of the Index threaten his work with interdiction?