Threaten
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3
Emotional Impact
Using 'threaten' can convey strong fear or anxiety in the listener or reader. He threatened to destroy all my work.
Pro Tip 2/3
Implied 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 3/3
Not Always Physical
Threats can be non-physical, targeting emotional well-being or reputation. She threatened to spread rumors about him.