[threat.en] vb threat.ened ; threat.en.ing vt (13c) 1: to utter threats against
2. a: to give signs or warning of: portend "the clouds ~ed rain" b: to hang over dangerously: menace
3: to announce as intended or possible "the workers ~ed a strike" ~ vi 1: to utter threats
2: to portend evil -- threat.en.er n -- threat.en.ing.ly adv