threaten
verb (used with object)
to utter a threat against; menace.
has threatened
-
present perfectof threaten (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Fighting in Lebanon in recent days has threatened to derail the peace deal.
From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026
It also has threatened to suspend State Farm’s license over the alleged violations, which each carry a penalty of up to $5,000 — or twice that figure if found to be willful.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026
An impending heatwave has threatened to stow away — or rather, further preserve — countless tins of anchovies.
From Salon ● May 28, 2026
Max Verstappen has threatened to quit Formula 1 at the end of this season if planned changes to the engine regulations for next year are blocked.
From BBC ● May 23, 2026
“That is what everybody would like to know. If they won’t come, the Prime Minister has threatened to ask Mr. Khrushchev for help.”
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
