Threat

Pronunciation

• UK enPR: thrÄ•t, IPA: /θɹɛt/
• Rhymes: -É›t

Origin

Old English þrēat ("crowd, army").

Full definition of threat

Noun

1. An expression of intent to injure or punish another.
• William ShakespeareThere is no terror, Cassius, in your threats.
2. An indication of imminent danger.
• 2013, Katrina G. Claw, Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm, Many genes with reproductive roles also have antibacterial and immune functions, which indicate that the threat of microbial attack on the sperm or egg may be a major influence on rapid evolution during reproduction.
3. A person or object that is regarded as a danger; a menace.
• 2011, September 2, Phil McNulty, Bulgaria 0-3 England, Rooney's United team-mate Chris Smalling was given his debut at right-back and was able to adjust to the international stage in relatively relaxed fashion as Bulgaria barely posed a threat of any consequence.

Related terms

• threaten
• threatening

Verb

1. (archaic) To threaten.
• 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, I.vii:An hideous Geant horrible and hye,
  That with his talnesse seemd to threat the skye ...
• 1599, William Shakespeare, , V. i. 37:O yes, and soundless too;
  For you have stolen their buzzing, Antony,
  And very wisely threat before you sting.

Anagrams

• Hatter, hatter