[threat] n [ME thret coercion, threat, fr. OE threat coercion; akin to MHG droz annoyance, L trudere to push, thrust] (bef. 12c) 1: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
2: one that threatens
3: an indication of something impending "the sky held a ~ of rain"
[2]threat vb (bef. 12c) archaic: threaten