threaten

Threaten is a verb meaning to express an intention to cause harm or to present a danger that may be carried out in the future. A threat implies a potential action that could influence someone’s choices. Threats can be spoken, written, or implied, and may target a person, a group, an object, or a situation. Common constructions include threaten to do something and threaten someone with something, as in “she threatened to resign” or “the manager threatened the employees with layoffs.”

Threats may be direct or indirect, explicit or implicit. They can aim to coerce, intimidate, or deter actions, and may involve violence, property damage, or other penalties. Distinctions are sometimes drawn between a sincere intention to act and a bluff, but the impact of a threat on the recipient can be real even if the threat is not carried out.

Etymology: The verb threaten comes from Old English roots related to danger and intimidation; the related noun threat denotes a potential harm or condition of danger.

Legal and social context: In many jurisdictions, credible threats can be illegal or subject to civil liability, especially when they involve harassment, coercion, or violence. Workplace and domestic settings often address threats through policy, reporting mechanisms, and protective measures. The verb threaten is complemented by related forms such as threatening and threat, while the concept of threatening behavior encompasses a range of actions intended to intimidate or coerce others.