threatenv. t.[OE. retenen. See Threat, v. t.]1. To utter threats against; to menace; to inspire with apprehension; to alarm, or attempt to alarm, as with the promise of something evil or disagreeable; to warn.()Let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. (Acts iv. 17.)2. To exhibit the appearance of (something evil or unpleasant) as approaching; to indicate as impending; to announce the conditional infliction of; as, to threaten war; to threaten death.(Milton.)The skies look grimly
And threaten present blusters. (Shak.)()By turns put on the suppliant and the lord:
Threatened this moment, and the next implored. (Prior.)Of the sharp ax
Regardless, that o'er his devoted head
Hangs menacing. (Somerville.)v. i. To use threats, or menaces; also, to have a threatening appearance.()Though the seas threaten, they are merciful. (Shak.)