Langimage
English

threatened

|threat/ened|

B2

/ˈθrɛtənd/

(threaten)

imposing danger

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNounAdjectiveAdverb
threatenthreatensthreatenedthreatenedthreateningthreatthreatenersthreateningthreateningly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'threaten' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'þreatian,' where 'þreat' meant 'crowd or troop.'

Historical Evolution

'þreatian' transformed into the Middle English word 'threten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'threaten.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to press or urge,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to express an intention to harm.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

past tense or past participle form of 'threaten'.

The storm threatened the coastal town.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

in danger of becoming extinct or disappearing.

The species is listed as threatened.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35