Threaten (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Threatened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Threatening.] [OE. þretenen. See Threat, v. t.] 1. To utter threats against; to menace; to inspire with apprehension; to alarm, or attempt to alarm, as with the promise of something evil or disagreeable; to warn.[1913 Webster]
Let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
2. To exhibit the appearance of (something evil or unpleasant) as approaching; to indicate as impending; to announce the conditional infliction of; as, to threaten war; to threaten death. Milton.[1913 Webster]
The skies look grimlyAnd threaten present blusters.
Syn. -- To menace. -- Threaten, Menace. Threaten is Anglo-Saxon, and menace is Latin. As often happens, the former is the more familiar term; the latter is more employed in formal style. We are threatened with a drought; the country is menaced with war.[1913 Webster]
By turns put on the suppliant and the lord:Threatened this moment, and the next implored.
Of the sharp axRegardless, that o'er his devoted headHangs menacing.
Threaten, v. i. To use threats, or menaces; also, to have a threatening appearance.[1913 Webster]
Though the seas threaten, they are merciful.