menace

noun
UK: /ˈmen.əs/
US: /ˈmen.əs/

  1. A person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or danger.

    1. The dog is a menace to the neighborhood cats, always chasing them.
    2. Pollution is a growing menace to public health, demanding urgent action to mitigate its harmful effects.

  2. A person who causes trouble or annoyance.

    1. That child is a real menace; he's always getting into mischief.
    2. Teenagers are a menace when they are messing with their mopeds and motorcycles.

Synonyms

threat danger hazard peril nuisance pest intimidate threaten
menace verb

  1. To threaten (someone or something).

    1. The storm clouds menaced the town.
    2. The gang members menaced the shopkeeper, demanding protection money.

  2. To present a possible danger or threat.

    1. Rising sea levels menace coastal communities.
    2. The economic downturn menaces small businesses, creating uncertainty about their future.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "menace" in English means: A person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or danger., A person who causes trouble or annoyance..

The phonetic transcription of "menace" is /ˈmen.əs/ in British English and /ˈmen.əs/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "menace": threat, danger, hazard, peril, nuisance, pest, intimidate, threaten.

Example usage of "menace": "The dog is a menace to the neighborhood cats, always chasing them.". More examples on the page.