Amenazaba (en. Threatened)

a-me-na-za-ba

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
To indicate the intention to cause harm or injury to someone or something.
The criminal was threatening his victims with a weapon.
El delincuente amenazaba a sus víctimas con un arma.
To issue a warning of a possible negative consequence.
The boss threatened to fire those who did not meet their goals.
El jefe amenazaba con despedir a quienes no cumplieran con sus metas.
To warn about an imminent danger.
The storm threatened to ruin our outdoor wedding.
La tormenta amenazaba con arruinar nuestra boda al aire libre.

Etymology

From the verb to threaten, from Latin 'menace' which means to warn of a danger.

Common Phrases and Expressions

death threat
Serious warning about the intention to cause lethal harm.
amenaza de muerte
don’t threaten
Exclamation asking not to issue intimidating warnings.
no amenaces
to threaten with a finger
To indicate reproach or warning towards someone in a threatening manner.
amenazar con el dedo

Related Words

threat
Warning of a danger or harm that may happen.
amenaza
intimidation
Action of frightening someone to act in a certain way.
intimidación
coercion
Use of force or threats to compel someone to act.
coacción

Slang Meanings

To make someone's life difficult.
Don’t threaten me, you’re just threatening me and I don’t like that.
No me amenaces, solo me estás amenazando y eso no me gusta.
To speak harshly to scare.
You only threaten, but you don’t act.
Tú solo amenazas, pero no actúas.