Emily Dickinson Lexicon

THREAT-EN, v.t. [thret'n; Sax. threatian, from threat. But threat appears to be contracted from threagan, which is written also threawian; D. dreigen; G. drohen; Dan. tretter, to chide, to scold, dispute, wrangle.]

1. To declare the purpose of inflicting punishment, pain or other evil on another, for some sin or offense; to menace. God threatens the finally impenitent with everlasting banishment from his presence.
2. To menace; to terrify or attempt to terrify by menaces; as for extorting money. To send threatening letters is a punishable offense.
3. To charge or enjoin with menace, or with implied rebuke; or to charge strictly. Let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in his name. Acts iv.
4. To menace by action; to present the appearance of coming evil; as, rolling billows threaten to overwhelm us.
5. To exhibit the appearance of something evil or unpleasant approaching; as, the clouds threaten us with rain or a storm.