American English
/ˈθɹɛt̚.nɪŋ/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of threaten
Telling someone that you may hurt them, punish them, or cause a problem for them if they do not do what you want.
“Threatening” is commonly pronounced /ˈθɹɛ.ɾə.nɪŋ/, with a light middle syllable. A shorter form, /ˈθɹɛt̚.nɪŋ/, is also common in natural speech.
Telling someone that you may hurt them, punish them, or cause a problem for them if they do not do what you want.
Threatening to sue the company made the manager back down.
The man is threatening his neighbor with a knife.
Being likely to harm someone or something or cause serious problems.
The fire is threatening several homes.
Threatening the crops, the sudden frost worried local farmers.
Suggesting that harm or trouble may happen.
She received a threatening letter in the mail.
The dog gave a threatening growl when I came closer.
The final t is doubled before -ed and -ing: threatened, threatening.