threaten
verb (used with object)
to utter a threat against; menace.
has been threatening
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present perfect progressiveof threaten (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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 New York Times reports that Musk has been threatening to sue the Center for Countering Digital Hate for reporting on the prevalence of bigotry on the platform.
From Salon ● Aug. 1, 2023
If a strike does happen, as the union has been threatening, it would be the first since a roughly two-week walkout by 185,000 workers crippled the company a quarter century ago.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 19, 2023
“It’s not news to anyone that Erdogan has been threatening the ground operation for months, but he could launch this operation now,” Abdi said.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 23, 2022
The palm has been getting shaved for the last decade, which causes it to lose vigour, as it has been threatening to burst through the glass canopy at the hot house.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2021
After work I decide to visit the state park where Pete has been threatening to take me, to appropriate a bit of this brilliant fall day for myself.
From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich
