noun
threat
threht
noun
1
A statement expressing intent to harm or punish someone.
"He received a threatening letter warning him to leave town."
2
A sign of possible danger or harm.
"Rising sea levels pose a serious threat to coastal towns."
3
A person or thing regarded as dangerous.
"The invasive species is considered a major threat to local wildlife."
How to Use Threat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA warning of harm, or something/someone that could cause danger.
Common pairings
pose a threat
idle threat
security threat
under threat
Word Forms
threated past tense, threats plural, Threats plural, threats singular
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Rising sea levels pose a serious _____ to coastal towns.
Etymology
From Old English þrēat, originally meaning "pressure" or "oppression," related to a root meaning "to squeeze or press."