Threat definition
An expression of an intention to inflict pain, harm, or punishment.
noun
An indication of impending danger or harm.
A threat of frost in the air.
noun
One that is regarded as a possible source of harm or danger.
Viewed the stranger as a threat to the community.
noun
An expression of intention to hurt, destroy, punish, etc., as in retaliation or intimidation.
noun
The condition of being in danger or at risk.
Under threat of attack.
noun
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To threaten.
verb
The danger of an attack on a computer system. See threat management, blended threat and risk assessment.
A potential source of this.
noun
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The definition of a threat is a statement of an intent to harm or punish, or a something that presents an imminent danger or harm.
If you tell someone "I am going to kill you," this is an example of a threat.
A person who has the potential to blow up a building is an example of a threat.
When it appears as if it is going to rain, this is an example of a situation where there is a threat of rain.
noun
An indication of imminent danger, harm, evil, etc.
The threat of war.
noun
A declaring of one’s intention to cause harm or loss to another’s person or property or to limit one’s freedom to act in a lawful voluntary manner (a threat to kidnap). A threat may be made by innuendo or suggestion, as well as by explicit language, and may be the basis of criminal or civil liability. Mere words, however, have been held not to constitute an assault. See also coercion, extortion, and fighting words.
noun
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Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
threat
Plural:
threatsOrigin of threat
- Middle English from Old English thrēat oppression treud- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- Old English þrÄ“at (“crowd, army").
From Wiktionary