/ ˈmenəs; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C , usually sing. ] menace (to sb/sth) a person or thing that causes, or may cause, serious damage, harm or danger
SYN threat :
a new initiative aimed at beating the menace of illegal drugs
2.
[ U ] an atmosphere that makes you feel threatened or frightened :
a sense / an air / a hint of menace in his voice
3.
[ C , usually sing. ] ( informal ) a person or thing that is annoying or causes trouble
SYN nuisance
4.
menaces [ pl. ] ( BrE , law ) threats that sb will cause harm if they do not get what they are asking for :
to demand money with menaces
■ verb
[ vn ] ( formal ) to be a possible danger to sth/sb
SYN threaten :
The forests are being menaced by major development projects.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : via Old French from late Latin minacia , from Latin minax , minac- threatening, from minae threats.