Definition of "threaten"

No one, however, would have anything to do with him, as Mr. Keeson's orders in those respects were very strict ; he had often threatened any one of his employés with instant dismissal if he found him in company with one of these touts.

1905, Baroness Emmuska Orczy, chapter 2, in The Hocussing of Cigarette‎

"Taiwanese are very enthusiastic and love freedom and democracy, so many good international friends have come to Taiwan to support us. This is a normal and good thing, but China threatens and intimidates Taiwan," she said."However, I would like to reassure everyone that both our government and the military are prepared, and I will definitely take care of Taiwan."

2022 August 13, Sarah Wu, David Kirton, Ben Blanchard, quoting Tsai Ing-wen, “Taiwan thanks U.S. for maintaining security in Taiwan Strait”, in Tom Hogue, Michael Perry, William Mallard, editors, Reuters‎, archived from the original on 13 August 2022, World

2019 January 26, Kevin Seybold, “Does Science Threaten Belief?”, in Cathedral of Hope‎

The player quickly surmised that things weren't kosher and the suddenly wiser ballplayer threatened the world record for the fifty-yard dash as he sought safety. As Reynolds dived into the van, Dietz and the other players rolled with laughter.

2000, Lew Freedman, Diamonds in the Rough: Baseball Stories from Alaska, page 69