threaten
verb (used with object)
to utter a threat against; menace.
threatens
-
present tense formof threaten (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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 disruption threatens to remove another major source of crude from global markets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
Blamed partly on one of the worst episodes of the drought-inducing El Nino weather phenomenon in decades, the disaster threatens millions of people's access to necessities such as clean water and air -- even education.
From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026
The defendants have appealed to the Supreme Court in hopes of blocking the lawsuit, which they say threatens to create financial chaos for their industry, among other issues.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026
That does not just embarrass the network, it threatens the corporation itself.
From Salon ● Sep. 5, 2026
A torrent of children’s screams, white noise on Libby’s bus journey home, threatens to override key aspects of her story.
From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle
