menace

[men-is]

noun

1. something that threatens to cause evil, harm, injury, etc.; a threat.

   Air pollution is a menace to health.

2. a person whose actions, attitudes, or ideas are considered dangerous or harmful.

   When he gets behind the wheel of a car, he's a real menace.

3. an extremely annoying person.

verb (used with object)

menaced, menacing 

1. to utter or direct a threat against; threaten.

2. to serve as a probable threat to; imperil.

   overdevelopment that menaces our suburbs.

verb (used without object)

menaced, menacing 

1. to express or serve as a threat.

menace

/ ˈmɛnɪs /

verb

1. to threaten with violence, danger, etc

noun

1. literary,  a threat or the act of threatening

2. something menacing; a source of danger

3. informal,  a nuisance

Other Word Forms

• menacer noun
• premenace noun
• unmenaced adjective
• menacing adjective
• menacingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of menace¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English manace, manance, from Middle French manace, menace, from Late Latin minācia “threat,” equivalent to mināc- (stem of mināx ) “jutting out, threatening” + -ia; verb from noun; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of menace¹

C13: ultimately related to Latin minax threatening, from mināri to threaten

Example Sentences

The cornerstones of Booker’s game will now be doing traditional big-man things and using the speed that could make him a menace in the lob game and on the fast break.

From Los Angeles Times

Even when he’s been fiery, nearly frothing at the mouth, Day-Lewis has always been a master of stillness, relying on his tall, taut frame to hint at the formidable power or menace underneath.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe they menace you by driving slowly next to you as you’re walking.

From Salon

Sarr offers quality in attack and, while fellow forward Mateta can be hit and miss - more miss than hit here - the Frenchman is a tireless, constant menace.

From BBC

Against this enclave’s polished stone walls and bannisters, Lee looks every ragged inch of the tawdry menace the politicians and businessmen he squares off against expect him to be.

From Salon

Related Words

• endanger 
• imperil 
• intimidate 
• jeopardize 
• terrorize 
• threaten