WordGarden.iothreat
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /θrˈɛt/
US
- /ˈθrɛt/
Meanings
Noun
a source or possibility of serious harm or trouble
a statement or sign that someone intends to cause harm or punishment
a person or team likely to beat others or cause trouble in a contest
Beyond the definition
A threat is not only about physical harm. It can be anything that shows possible trouble or danger ahead. Think of dark clouds as a threat of rain, or a stern look from your teacher as a threat of detention. It is the chance that something bad may happen, hanging over something you care about. Sometimes a threat is spoken clearly, like "I'll tell your mother!" and sometimes it is only suggested by actions or by the situation. A lion stalking prey is a clear threat, but so is a bully on the playground or a problem that could put a country at risk. The danger may be large or small, but the idea is the same: something seems ready to cause harm.
The word "threat" describes anything that poses a potential danger, harm, or negative consequence. It's more than just an immediate problem; it's the possibility of one arising. Imagine a knight in shining armor facing a dragon—the dragon is a direct threat to the kingdom. However, a slowly eroding coastline also presents a threat, albeit a slower-moving one.
Threats can be explicit—a direct statement of intent to cause harm ("If you don't comply, there will be consequences"). They can also be implicit—suggested by actions or circumstances, such as gathering storm clouds being a threat of bad weather.
The context of "threat" is crucial. In law enforcement, it often refers to credible statements indicating an intention to commit violence. In cybersecurity, a "threat" might be malicious software designed to steal data. In everyday life, you might feel threatened by someone's angry tone or a difficult situation. You can pose a threat (meaning you are the source of potential harm), and something can be under threat (meaning it is currently in danger).
Think about the story of Little Red Riding Hood. The wolf wasn't just dangerous; he was a threat to Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother because he represented a disruption of safety and peace. Whether it's a looming storm, a hostile enemy, or a simple warning, a threat is anything that casts a shadow of potential harm over something valued.
Examples
- 1
Police warning
The police treated the email as a serious threat.
- 2
Health risk
Smoking is a major threat to heart health.
- 3
Small business
Rising rents are a real threat to small businesses.
- 4
Disease outbreak
Doctors warned of the growing threat of another outbreak.
- Patternthe threat of + event
the danger that it may happen
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Cultural traditions
Several local traditions are now under threat.
- Phraseunder threat
in danger
- 6
Journalism
The journalist received threats after publishing the story.
- 7
Empty threat
She knew his promise to leave was just an empty threat.
- Phrasean empty threat
a threat that someone does not really intend to carry out
- 8
Climate risk
Climate change poses the biggest long-term threat to the island.
- Patternpose a threat
be a serious danger
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- pose a threat
- threat to security
- under threat
- serious threat
Word family
Explore
- vulnerability
- risk assessment
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- threatnoun
Forms
- threatspluralnoun