Threatenings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. To convey an intention or warning of potential harm or danger towards someone or something through hostile actions or words
2. To place others in a situation where they perceive a risk of injury or loss as a result of ominous communication or gestures
3. To communicate a possibility of harm or negative consequences to someone using words or behavior

Etymology: "Threatenings" is the plural of "threatening," a noun formed from the verb "threaten." The verb descends from Old English "threatnian," meaning to urge, press, or afflict, and it is closely tied to the Old English noun "thrēat," which meant a crowd or throng, or oppression. The sense of menacing words developed later, so the plural carries a word whose earliest meanings were about pressure and force.

Synonyms: menaces, intimidations