Threat
As a Noun
- A statement or action indicating an intention to harm someone or something.
- A person or thing likely to cause danger, damage, or harm.
- A sign or possibility of something bad happening.
As Other Form
- Threaten (Verb): To express an intention to harm or cause trouble.
- Threatening (Adjective): Indicating danger or harm.
Word History
The word threat comes from Old English þreāt, meaning “oppression, pressure, or menace.” Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to warnings or dangers of harm.
Examples
- The anonymous threat worried the entire office.
- Climate change poses a serious threat to the planet.
- There was a threat of rain in the afternoon.
Synonyms
Warning, danger, menace, risk, hazard
Related Words
Intimidation, peril, jeopardy, ultimatum
Antonyms
Safety, protection, assurance, security
