v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Threatened p. pr. & vb. n. Threatening. ] [ OE. þretenen. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. Acts iv. 17. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The skies look grimly
And threaten present blusters. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To menace. -- Threaten, Menace. Threaten is Anglo-Saxon, and menace is Latin. As often happens, the former is the more familiar term; the latter is more employed in formal style. We are threatened with a drought; the country is menaced with war. [ 1913 Webster ]

By turns put on the suppliant and the lord:
Threatened this moment, and the next implored. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]

Of the sharp ax
Regardless, that o'er his devoted head
Hangs menacing. Somerville. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To use threats, or menaces; also, to have a threatening appearance. [ 1913 Webster ]

Though the seas threaten, they are merciful. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who threatens. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. & n. from Threaten, v. -- Threat"en*ing*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

Threatening letters (Law), letters containing threats, especially those designed to extort money, or to obtain other property, by menaces; blackmailing letters. [1913 Webster]