Menacer (en. Threaten)
/mə.na.se/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
verb
To exert pressure or blackmail on someone.
He threatened his rival to get what he wanted.
Il a menacé son rival pour obtenir ce qu'il voulait.
To warn alarmingly of the possibility of harm.
Pollution threatens public health.
La pollution menace la santé publique.
To indicate the possibility of imminent danger.
The storm threatens to cause considerable damage.
La tempête menace de causer des dommages considérables.
Etymology
From Old French 'menacer', originating from Latin 'minaciare', derived from 'minacia' which means threat.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to threaten someone
To impose a danger or concern on someone.
menacer quelqu'un
to threaten to
To indicate a risk or potential danger, such as in 'to threaten war'.
menacer de
to threaten security
To evoke a danger to the safety of an individual or group.
menacer la sécurité
Related Words
threat
A potential danger or threat.
menace
intimidation
Action of making someone fearful or anxious.
intimidation
blackmail
To demand something under threat.
chantage
risk
Possibility of danger or harm.
risque
Slang Meanings
To make a serious threat.
He made a threat to get what he wanted.
Il a balancé une menace pour obtenir ce qu'il désirait.
To act tough, intimidate.
He acts tough by threatening everyone in the neighborhood.
Il fait le dur en menaçant tout le monde dans le quartier.