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threaten

Pronunciation: [θrɛtən]

Word

Context: “safety”

(verb) to say or suggest that you might hurt someone or do something bad if they don’t do what you want. It's like when someone is trying to make you scared on purpose to get you to listen to them.

Example

He threatened to tell the teacher if she didn't stop bullying him.

Example

She never threatened anyone; she always tried to be friendly.

Example

Why did he threaten to hurt his friend?

Context: “environment”

(verb) to be likely to cause harm to something important, like animals, plants, or air. It's when something is in danger of being damaged or lost.

Example

Pollution threatens the health of our rivers.

Example

The new park doesn’t threaten any wildlife; it helps them live better.

Example

What other factors are threatening the wildlife in this area?

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