threaten

threaten [-ed] v

OE þréat-n-ian.

1. Accost; jostle; [fig.] attempt to blow away.
2. Badger; bully; browbeat; harass; harry; persecute; pressure to comply; attempt to terrify; menace by predicting a severe consequence for non-compliance.
3. Warn of impending bad weather.
4. Endanger; imperil; challenge; jeopardize; appear ready to destroy.