ohustada

Ohustada is an Estonian verb meaning to threaten or to endanger someone or something. The verb can refer to presenting a danger to people, property, safety, or to broader situations that could cause harm. It is a transitive verb and is used with a direct object.

Etymology and meaning: Ohustada is formed from the noun oht, meaning danger, combined with a common Estonian verb suffix. In its primary sense, it conveys causing danger or presenting a threat. In environmental or conservation contexts, the related adjective ohustatud is used to describe something that is endangered, such as a species or habitat.

Usage and context: The verb appears in safety, security, and policy discourse as well as in everyday speech. For example, Ohud ohustavad elanikke means “Hazards threaten residents,” and Klimamuutused ohustavad ohustatud liike elupaiku translates roughly as “Climate change endangers the habitats of endangered species.” The term can refer to immediate threats as well as longer-term hazards.

Conjugation and forms: Ohustada is conjugated as a typical Estonian transitive verb. Present tense forms include ohustan (I threaten/endanger), ohustad (you threaten/endanger), ohustab (he/she/it threatens/endangers), ohustame, ohustate, ohustavad. Past tense forms include ohustasin, ohustasid, ohustas, ohustasime, ohustasite, ohustasid. The past participle is ohustatud, used as an adjective meaning endangered or threatened.

Related terms: oht (danger), ohtlik (dangerous), ähvardama (to threaten). The adjective ohustatud is commonly used for endangered status, especially in ecology and law.