Synonyms of threaten

Antonyms of threaten

Collocations of threaten

violence
Frequency: 70 %

The gang threatened violence if their demands were not met.

retaliation
Frequency: 60 %

The company threatened retaliation against the employee who leaked confidential information.

harm
Frequency: 50 %

The bully threatened harm to anyone who stood up to him.

legal action
Frequency: 45 %

The landlord threatened legal action if the tenant did not pay rent on time.

blackmail
Frequency: 35 %

The hacker threatened to release compromising photos unless a ransom was paid.

Idiomatic Expressions for threaten

  • Phrase: hold a threat over someone
    Meaning: to use the possibility of harm or punishment as a way to control or manipulate someone
    Usage: The boss held the threat of firing over the employees to make them work harder.