Words / B1

THRET/θret/

A threat is possible harm, or a statement that you will cause harm. A threat of rain; under threat; make a threat; a threat to wildlife. Danger is the general word; risk is the chance of harm; warning is advice about danger. Threaten is the verb. Threatening is the adjective. Empty threat means it will not be carried out.

Meaning

A person or thing that may cause harm, or a statement that you will cause harm.

Examples

• “There is a threat of heavy rain.”
• “The building is under threat of demolition.”
• “Pollution is a serious threat to the river.”

Good to know

a threat to + noun. under threat. Verb: threaten. General word: danger. Chance: risk.

Near in meaning

danger

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