menace

American  

[men-is] / ˈmɛn ɪs /

noun

1. something that threatens to cause evil, harm, injury, etc.; a threat.

   Air pollution is a menace to health.

2. a person whose actions, attitudes, or ideas are considered dangerous or harmful.

   When he gets behind the wheel of a car, he's a real menace.

3. an extremely annoying person.

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verb (used with object)

menaced, menacing

1. to utter or direct a threat against; threaten.

2. to serve as a probable threat to; imperil.

   overdevelopment that menaces our suburbs.

verb (used without object)

menaced, menacing

1. to express or serve as a threat.

menace British  

/ ˈmɛnɪs /

verb

1. to threaten with violence, danger, etc

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noun

1. literary a threat or the act of threatening

2. something menacing; a source of danger

3. informal a nuisance

Other Word Forms

• menacer noun
• menacing adjective
• menacingly adverb
• premenace noun
• unmenaced adjective

Etymology

Origin of menace

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English manace, manance, from Middle French manace, menace, from Late Latin minācia “threat,” equivalent to mināc- (stem of mināx ) “jutting out, threatening” + -ia; verb from noun; -ia

Example Sentences

“Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas and our allies throughout the world,” he said in a recorded statement Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times

So, they serve up an array of the outlandish - mid-scroll, viewers stumble upon a lover's fight or a menacing standoff.

From BBC

“All dark and menacing, they are. Thunderclouds, if you ask me. We’re in for a thunderstorm; mark my words.”

From Literature

I groaned as Frederick and his brother Bruno approached with menacing grins on their faces.

From Literature

Towards the end, the whole body of dancers becomes engaged, menacing as they approach, their tense stomachs flexing as if hungry.

From Barron's

Related Words

• endanger
• imperil
• intimidate
• jeopardize
• terrorize
• threaten