
threat
词源
源自古英语 'þreat'(压迫、惩罚),与古诺尔斯语 'þraut'(困难)同源,最终源自原始日耳曼语词根。
noun
❶ 威胁,指可能造成伤害、危险或不利影响的人、事或情况,常通过言语或行为表达。
“The storm poses a serious threat to coastal areas.”
(这场风暴对沿海地区构成严重威胁。)
“He received a death threat after speaking out against corruption.”
(他在公开反对腐败后收到了死亡威胁。)
❶ 凶兆,预示坏事即将发生的迹象或可能性。
“Dark clouds were a threat of rain.”
(乌云是下雨的征兆。)
“The sudden silence felt like a threat of danger.”
(突然的寂静让人感到危险的预兆。)
verb
❶ 威胁,表示要采取有害或不利行动,通常用于迫使他人服从或达到某种目的。
“The boss threatened to fire anyone who was late.”
(老板威胁要开除任何迟到的人。)
“He threatened legal action if the payment wasn't made.”
(他威胁如果不付款将采取法律行动。)
常见短语
under threat — 处于威胁之下,形容某事物因外部压力或危险而面临风险或可能受损的状态。
“The endangered species is under threat due to habitat loss.”
(由于栖息地丧失,这一濒危物种正面临威胁。)
empty threat — 虚张声势的威胁,指没有实际意图或能力执行的恐吓言论。
“His promise to quit was just an empty threat.”
(他辞职的承诺只是虚张声势的威胁。)