What does threat mean?
A threat is a warning, danger, or indication that harm, damage, punishment, or other unwelcome consequences may follow. The noun commonly refers to a danger facing an individual, group, institution, or environment, as in a threat to public safety, but it can also describe an intimidating statement or act. A credible threat may deter an adversary, while an empty or exaggerated threat may be dismissed as mere intimidation. As a verb, ‘threaten’ expresses the intention or apparent intention to cause harm or to impose an unpleasant consequence, often in the patterns ‘threaten someone with something’ and ‘threaten to do something.’ The word carries a strongly negative and often confrontational connotation, although it can describe threats made by natural forces, technological systems, or impersonal circumstances. Its clear association with danger makes it useful for describing both concrete risks and figurative warnings in public, legal, and personal contexts.
A danger or menace, or a statement or expression indicating that harm, damage, or punishment may follow.
"The outbreak was seen as a threat to the entire region."
Commonly countable, as in ‘a direct threat’ or ‘a serious threat,’ but also used in uncountable constructions such as ‘under threat.’
To announce or imply an intention to cause harm or to put someone under fear or pressure.
"The witnesses were threatened with prosecution if they spoke publicly."
The form ‘threaten’ is much more common than using ‘threat’ as a verb; it commonly takes the patterns ‘threaten someone with something’ and ‘threaten to do something.’
The regular plural is ‘threats,’ used for individual dangers, warnings, or threatening acts. The singular ‘threat’ can also be used uncountably.
"The organization is responding to several new threats to its members’ safety."
‘Threat’ comes from an Old English word for a menace, so its long history is literally a history of warnings.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How threat is actually used
As a noun, ‘threat’ can describe either an actual danger or a threatening act or statement. It is often countable, as in ‘a direct threat,’ but ‘threat’ can also be uncountable in expressions such as ‘under threat of attack.’ As a verb, ‘threaten’ is more common than the less usual verbal use of ‘threat.’
Easily confused with threat
A threat is a danger or intimidation, whereas a treat is something enjoyable or a way of handling or dealing with someone or something.