noun
threat
THRET/θret/
A prospective source of harm.
The cracked branch above the bench poses a serious threat.
Etymology
Old English þreat covered oppression, coercion, and menace, including declarations of hostile intention. The selected sense centers on that communicated menace: words or signs that put someone in fear of harm.
In context
The bomb was fully functional with real explosives and timers. The creators never intended for Brian to survive. The bomb was a murder weapon, not just a threat.
More examples
- Wildfires remain a threat to nearby homes.
- The security team checks for threats to customer data.
- She reports the anonymous threat to the police.
Forms
threat · threats
threaten verb — To endanger someone or express intent to harm.