minatory
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of minatory
First recorded in 1525–35; from Late Latin minātōrius “threatening,” from mināt(us), past participle of minārī “to threaten” ( see menace) + -ōrius -ory 1
Explanation
Minatory means threatening. When you petition the school for higher academic standards — i.e., harder grading from teachers — you may receive some minatory looks, or even hate notes, from the kids in your school. Minatory derives from the Latin menatorius, "menace," and has nothing at all to do with the Greek legends of the Minotaur. But think of the Minotaur anyway — it was half-man, half-bull, lived inside a labyrinth, and could only be appeased if it was being sent young women to devour. If that's not threatening (or minatory) behavior, nothing is.
Vocabulary lists containing minatory
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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.
But he's also a model of self-deceit that colors Rhys', the real Rhys, and the ultimate purpose served by the one we know with minatory tragedy.
From Salon • Mar. 11, 2023
Prosecutors could also attempt to derail the industry by sending minatory letters to stakeholders warning of a potential crackdown.
From Slate • Aug. 7, 2017
The contest precipitates a flurry of events: literary, amatory, monetary and minatory.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 6, 2017
On June 29, 2015, Dart wrote Visa and MasterCard a minatory letter implying that he would prosecute them if they continued to let Backpage.com—the sheriff’s new target, a classified ad site—use their services.
From Slate • Dec. 2, 2015
But see what it is to know no Virgil, and,' shaking a minatory finger, 'Fama, malum quo non aliud velocius ullum.'
From Parson Kelly by Lang, Andrew
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
