First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1threat
noun \ˈthret\
: a statement saying you will be harmed if you do not do what someone wants you to do
: someone or something that could cause trouble, harm, etc.
: the possibility that something bad or harmful could happen
Full Definition of THREAT
1
: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
2
: one that threatens
3
: an indication of something impending <the sky held a threat of rain>
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Origin of THREAT
Middle English thret coercion, threat, from Old English thrēat coercion; akin to Middle High German drōz annoyance, Latin trudere to push, thrust
2threat
verb
THREAT Defined for Kids
threat
noun \ˈthret\
Definition of THREAT for Kids
1
: the act of showing an intention to do harm
2
: someone or something that threatens <the threat of punishment>
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