Threat

thret, n. declaration of an intention to inflict punishment or other evil upon another: menace.— v.t. Threat′en , to declare the intention of inflicting punishment or other evil upon another: to terrify by menaces: to present the appearance of coming evil or of something unpleasant.— n. Threat′ener .— adj. Threat′ening , indicating a threat or menace: indicating something approaching or impending.— adv. Threat′eningly .— adj. Threat′ful ( Spens. ), full of threats, having a menacing appearance. [A.S. þreát — þreótan , to afflict; cog. with Ger. verdrie en , Goth. thriutan , to vex.]