French Conversation · Level 53
75 words
French word
menacer
Pronunciation
IPA/mənase/
Meaning
- verbthreaten
Example
Il menace mon ami.
He is threatening my friend.
More examples
Le patron menace de licencier l'employé.
The boss threatens to fire the employee.
Core concept
Someone is made to feel that harm or loss is about to follow unless a threat is heeded.
Common phrases
menacer quelqu'un
threaten someone
menacer de + infinitif
threaten to ___
Similar words
intimider: To scare someone into backing down or avoiding resistance.
faire peur: To make someone experience fear through speech or conduct.
mettre la pression: To apply pressure in an attempt to change someone's actions.
faire chanter: To seek money or an advantage by threatening to expose a secret.
Definition in French
Faire craindre à quelqu'un une conséquence négative par des paroles, des gestes ou des actes.
Word origin
The verb menacer developed from Latin minari through Old French, while French also formed the related noun menace for a threat.
Usage tips
- Menacer de + infinitive means 'threaten to do something', while menacer quelqu'un de quelque chose means 'threaten someone with something'.