Threaten/ˈθretn/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact Using 'threaten' can convey strong fear or anxiety in the listener or reader. He threatened to destroy all my work. Pro Tip 2/3Implied Power 'Threaten' implies the speaker has some power or ability to carry out the harm. The gang leader threatened to take over the neighborhood. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Physical Threats can be non-physical, targeting emotional well-being or reputation. She threatened to spread rumors about him.