THREATEN | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary Though the protagonist is clearly deserving of punishment, the capricious, almost arbitrary manner of the punishment threatens to eclipse his crimes
THREATEN definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary If someone threatens to do something unpleasant to you, or if they threaten you, they say that they will do something unpleasant to you, especially if you do not do what they want
Threatens - definition of threatens by The Free Dictionary To cause (someone) to feel that his or her power, social standing, or self-esteem is in danger of being diminished: felt threatened by his colleague's promotion 1 To express or use threats 2 To indicate or be a source of danger or harm: "When World War II threatened, Broadway turned to patriotic extravaganzas" (Deanne Stillman) threat′en·er n