First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1menace
noun men·ace \ˈme-nəs\
: a dangerous or possibly harmful person or thing
: someone who causes trouble or annoyance
: a dangerous or threatening quality
Full Definition of MENACE
1
: a show of intention to inflict harm : threat
2
a : one that represents a threat : danger b : an annoying person
See menace defined for English-language learners
See menace defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MENACE
Middle English manace, from Anglo-French manace, menace, from Latin minacia, from minac-, minax threatening, from minari to threaten — more at mount
2menace
verb
: to threaten harm to (someone or something)
men·acedmen·ac·ing
Full Definition of MENACE
transitive verb
1
: to make a show of intention to harm
2
: to represent or pose a threat to : endanger
intransitive verb
: to act in a threatening manner
— men·ac·ing·ly \-nə-siŋ-lē\ adverb
See menace defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MENACE
14th century
Related to MENACE
- Synonyms
- adventure, compromise, gamble (with), hazard, imperil, jeopard, jeopardize, endanger, peril, risk, venture
MENACE Defined for Kids
1menace
noun men·ace \ˈme-nəs\
2menace
verb
men·acedmen·ac·ing
Definition of MENACE for Kids
: to threaten harm to <The pirates menaced the ship's passengers.>
Learn More About MENACE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up menace? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).