Threat/θret/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Action Suggestion A 'threat' often suggests what someone might do, not just what they want. His threat to leave the job pressured the boss into offering a raise. Pro Tip 2/3Expression of Anger Threats may express anger or frustration, not always real intent to harm. In a moment of anger, she issued a threat she didn't mean. Pro Tip 3/3Manipulation Tool Threats are sometimes used to manipulate or control a situation or person. He used the threat of leaving as leverage in the negotiation.