Meaning & Definition of word "Threatening"

Threatening

/ˈθrɛtənɪŋ/

noun:

  • 1. a declaration of an intention to cause harm or evil.
    • Example: She received a threatening letter that made her feel unsafe.

adjective:

  • 1. having a menacing or ominous quality that suggests harm or danger.
    • Example: The dark clouds in the sky looked threatening, signaling an impending storm.
  • 2. expressing or indicating a desire to cause harm or danger.
    • Example: His threatening tone made everyone in the room feel uneasy.
  • 3. dangerous or likely to become violent.
    • Example: The threatening behavior of the dog made the children back away cautiously.

Etymology

Middle English, from the verb 'threaten', combined with the suffix '-ing'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

threatening behavior:

actions that indicate an intention to cause harm

threatening skies:

clouds that suggest an approaching storm or bad weather

threatening outlook:

a situation that implies risks or dangers ahead

Related Words

threat:

a declaration of an intention to inflict harm

menace:

a person or thing that is likely to cause harm

intimidation:

the act of making someone feel afraid

Slang Meanings of threatening

Meaning: heavy vibes

Example Sentence: The way he stared at me was giving me some heavy vibes.

Meaning: bad juju

Example Sentence: That deal sounds like bad juju, better stay away.