threaten
BrE /ˈθreɪtn/ AmE /ˈθrɛtən/
verb en → es
past threatened pp threatened ing threatening
to say or do something that shows you are going to hurt someone, damage their property, etc.
amenazar a alguien con algo
- threaten somebody with something
Collocations threaten violence · threaten to do sth
-
He threatened to hit me if I didn't give him the money.
Amenazó con golpearme si no le daba el dinero.
to say that something bad is likely to happen in the future
amenazar con algo, predecir que algo va a suceder
- threaten to do sth
Collocations threaten economic collapse · threaten the environment
-
The company's future is threatened by a lack of investment.
El futuro de la empresa está amenazado por una falta de inversión.
to warn someone that something bad will happen if they do not do what you want them to do
advertir a alguien que algo va a suceder si no hace algo
- threaten somebody with something
Collocations threaten to fire someone · threaten to expel students
-
The boss threatened to sack anyone who was late again.
El jefe amenazó con despedir a cualquiera que volviera a llegar tarde.
Phrasal verbs
amenazar a alguien con algo
-
He threatened the shopkeeper with a knife.
Lo amenazó al tendero con un cuchillo.
amenazar hacer algo
-
The company threatened to close the factory.
La empresa amenazó con cerrar la fábrica.
Idioms
amenazar llover
-
It's threatening to rain, so bring an umbrella.
Amenaza con llover, así que trae un paraguas.