threaten with

Frequency: 8.520.2 per million words

To specify the negative consequence or weapon used in a threat.

threatenthreaten + PREPOSITION

Categories:

with

Examples (10)

  • She threatened him with a gun.
  • The company threatened its employees with layoffs if they didn't agree to pay cuts.
  • He was threatened with expulsion for cheating on the exam.
  • The bully threatened the younger child with a punch if he didn't hand over his lunch money.
  • If you don't comply, we will be forced to threaten you with legal action.
  • The government is threatening the rebels with severe sanctions.
  • Having been threatened with violence, she decided to report the incident to the police.
  • The landlord threatened the tenants with eviction if they didn't pay the rent on time.
  • Don't try to threaten me with your empty words.
  • Environmental groups threatened the factory with a lawsuit over pollution.