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

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

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