threaten
verb (used with object)
to utter a threat against; menace.
threatens
-
present tense formof threaten (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The overexploitation of parrotfish and other groupers threatens 63 percent of coral reef ecosystems.
From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026
A powerful El Niño threatens to disrupt coffee harvests around the world, adding to farmers’ already steep production costs.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 22, 2026
These are the things that we stay alive for, and well, that’s exactly what AI threatens to rob from the human race.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026
The police cannot shoot a fleeing suspect unless the suspect’s conduct threatens death or serious injury to the officer or others.
From Slate ● Oct. 19, 2026
"As f-far as that g-goes, we could use another b-boy. Nick's golden voice threatens to turn b-bass any day now, and his b-beard to betray him."
From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood
