ohustavad

Ohustavad is an Estonian verb form meaning "they threaten." It is the third person plural present tense of the verb ohustada, whose basic sense is to threaten or to pose a danger. In usage, ohustavad describes actions in which a subject threatens a person, group, organization, or situation.

In practical terms, ohustavad can refer to explicit verbal threats or to more indirect, coercive pressures that create a sense of danger or risk. The object of the verb typically denotes the target of the threat, and sentences often specify the affected party, such as "nad ohustavad mind" (they threaten me) or "nad ohustavad meie ettevõtte turvalisust" (they threaten the security of our company). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe threats to safety, stability, or future prospects.

Although very similar in meaning to synonyms like ähvardama, ohustada carries a nuance that emphasizes the presence or potential of danger, rather than solely the act of verbal menace. The form ohustavad appears in news reports, political commentary, and legal or security discussions when describing groups or officials exerting pressure or creating risk for others.

Estonian verbs inflect for person and number, so ohustavad specifically marks a plural subject in the present tense. The corresponding singular forms are ohustab (he/she/it threatens) and ohustan (I threaten). The word is used across formal and informal registers, with tone ranging from straightforward reporting to analysis of coercive behavior.