KJV Dictionary Definition: threaten

threaten

THREATEN, v.t. thret'n.

1. To declare the purpose of inflicting punishment, pain or other evil on another, for some sin or offense; to menace. God threatens the finally impenitent with everlasting banishment from his presence.

2. To menace; to terrify or attempt to terrify by menaces; as for extorting money.

To send threatening letters is a punishable offense.

3. To charge or enjoin with menace, or with implied rebuke; or to charge strictly.

Let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in his name. Acts 4.

4. To menace by action; to present the appearance of coming evil; as, rolling billows threaten to overwhelm us.

5. To exhibit the appearance of something evil or unpleasant approaching; as, the clouds threaten us with rain or a storm.

threatened

THREATENED, pp. thret'nd. Menaced with evil.

threatener

THREATENER, n. thret'ner. One that threatens.

threatening

THREATENING, ppr. thret'ning. Menacing; denouncing evil.

1. a. Indicating a threat or menace; as a threatening look.

2. Indicating something impending; as, the weather is threatening; the clouds have a threatening aspect.

THREATENING, n. thret'ning. The act of menacing; a menace; a denunciation of evil, or declaration of a purpose to inflict evil on a person or country, usually for sins and offenses. The prophets are filled with God's threatenings against the rebellious Jews. Acts 4.

threateningly

THREATENINGLY, adv. thret'ningly. With a threat or menace; in a threatening manner.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
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