threaten
verb (used with object)
to utter a threat against; menace.
had threatened
-
past perfectof threaten.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Two other Republicans who had threatened Blanche’s nomination, Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, ultimately voted to confirm him after extracting concessions.
From Salon ● Aug. 8, 2026
The man, Lantz said, had threatened to jump at one point and officials at the scene were trying to get him to come down.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
This was quite the moment to elevate the sun-kissed event above the DeChambeau controversy which had threatened to overshadow the week.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
Egypt thanked the president for calling off the strikes he had threatened just hours earlier and said it hoped the combatants would seize the opening to strike a deal to end the war.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
She had threatened, but her threats had been received with stony faces and deaf ears.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
