Meaning of threat in English

1. Pronunciation

   /θrɛt/

   US accent

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   UK accent

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1. Noun

   threat

   Etymology

   Old English thrēat ‘oppression’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch verdrieten‘grieve’, German verdriessen‘irritate’

   Definitions

   1. something that is a source of danger

   Examples

   • « earthquakes are a constant threat in Japan »
2. 2. a warning that something unpleasant is imminent

   Examples

   • « they were under threat of arrest »
3. 3. declaration of an intention or a determination to inflict harm on another

   Examples

   • « his threat to kill me was quite explicit »
4. 4. a person who inspires fear or dread

   Examples

   • « he was the terror of the neighborhood »