threaten threaten /ˈθrɛtən/

verb

1. () Pose a threat to; present a danger to  ( jeopardise [British] , peril , imperil , endanger , jeopardize , menace , threaten )
   pose a threat to; present a danger to
    The pollution is endangering the crops
   The pollution is endangering the crops
   
2. () To utter intentions of injury or punishment against  ( threaten )
   to utter intentions of injury or punishment against
    He threatened me when I tried to call the police
   He threatened me when I tried to call the police
   
3. () To be a menacing indication of something  ( threaten )
   to be a menacing indication of something
    The clouds threaten rain
   The clouds threaten rain
    Danger threatens
   Danger threatens