— threatener , n.
/thret"n/ , v.t.
1. to utter a threat against; menace: He threatened the boy with a beating.
2. to be a menace or source of danger to: Sickness threatened her peace of mind.
3. to offer (a punishment, injury, etc.) by way of a threat: They threatened swift retaliation.
4. to give an ominous indication of: The clouds threaten rain.
v.i.
5. to utter or use threats.
6. to indicate impending evil or mischief.
[ bef. 1000; ME thretnen, OE threatnian, deriv. of threat pressure, oppression. See THREAT, -EN 1 ]
Syn. 2. endanger.
Ant. 2. protect, defend.