threaten
verb (used with object)
to utter a threat against; menace.
have been threatening
-
present perfect progressiveof threaten.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.
Workers represented by the Sindicato No. 1 union at the Australian company's mine in northern Chile, the largest copper deposit in the world, have been threatening to strike over safety concerns.
From Reuters ● Nov. 28, 2022
Along the East Coast, sea-level rise and flooding from rainfall have been threatening cities in Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida, among others.
From New York Times ● Sep. 20, 2022
While his actions may have been threatening, I don’t excuse the children for being children, either.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 12, 2022
Slovyansk Mayor Vadym Lyakh said in a TV interview that Russians have been threatening an attack on his city for a month and that “the danger has persisted ever since.”
From Washington Post ● Jun. 9, 2022
Landy seemed to swallow something that may have been threatening to choke him.
From Afloat or, Adventures on Watery Trails by Alan Douglas
