threaten

transitive verb

1. 1. to make threats against; express one's intention of hurting, punishing, etc.
   2. to express intention to inflict (punishment, reprisal, etc.)
2. 1. to indicate the likely occurrence of (something dangerous, unpleasant, etc.): clouds threatening snow
   2. to be a source of such danger, harm, etc. to: an epidemic that threatens the city

Origin: ME thretnen < OE threatnian

intransitive verb

1. to make threats
2. to be an indication or source of potential danger, harm, etc.