威胁 (wēixié)

威胁 means to threaten someone or something, or refers to a threat that puts someone at risk.

Meanings

[verb] to threaten; to intimidate; to pose a threat to
[noun] threat; menace

Example Sentences

污染正在严重威胁这里的生态环境。 Wūrǎn zhèngzài yánzhòng wēixié zhèlǐ de shēngtài huánjìng. Pollution is seriously threatening the ecological environment here.

他受到了恐怖分子的威胁，不敢出门。 Tā shòudào le kǒngbù fènzǐ de wēixié, bù gǎn chūmén. He was threatened by terrorists and didn't dare to go out.

气候变化对粮食安全构成了严重威胁。 Qìhòu biànhuà duì liángshí ānquán gòuchéngle yánzhòng wēixié. Climate change poses a serious threat to food security.

她威胁说如果不还钱就报警。 Tā wēixié shuō rúguǒ bù huán qián jiù bàojǐng. She threatened to call the police if the money wasn't returned.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
构成威胁	to pose a threat
受到威胁	to be under threat
严重威胁	serious threat
安全威胁	security threat

Usage Notes

威胁 can be used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it takes an object that is being threatened. As a noun, it often appears in the structures 构成威胁 (to constitute a threat) or 受到威胁 (to come under threat). It carries a negative connotation and is used in formal and informal contexts alike.

Memory Hook

威 means "might/authority" and 胁 means "to coerce/rib area" -- 威胁 is using your might to pressure someone's vulnerable side, i.e., to threaten.