threaten

Threat"en , v. i. To use threats, or menaces; also, to have a threatening appearance.

Though the seas threaten, they are merciful.

Threat"en (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Threatened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Threatening.]

[OE. þretenen. See Threat, v. t.] 1. To utter threats against; to menace; to inspire with apprehension; to alarm, or attempt to alarm, as with the promise of something evil or disagreeable; to warn.

Let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

2. To exhibit the appearance of (something evil or unpleasant) as approaching; to indicate as impending; to announce the conditional infliction of; as, to threaten war; to threaten death. Milton.

The skies look grimly
And threaten present blusters.

Syn. -- To menace. -- Threaten, Menace. Threaten is Anglo-Saxon, and menace is Latin. As often happens, the former is the more familiar term; the latter is more employed in formal style. We are threatened with a drought; the country is menaced with war.

By turns put on the suppliant and the lord:
Threatened this moment, and the next implored.

Of the sharp ax
Regardless, that o'er his devoted head
Hangs menacing.