n.
  - a statement of an intention to inflict injury, damage, or other hostile action as retribution. 
▸Law  a menace of bodily harm, such as may restrain a person's freedom of action.
 - a person or thing likely to cause damage or danger. 
▸the possibility of trouble or danger.
 
 
  Etymology
  OE thrēat ‘oppression’, of Gmc origin.