menace

[men-is]

menace Definition

  • 1a person, thing, or situation that is likely to cause harm or trouble
  • 2a threat or danger

Using menace: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "menace" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The dark clouds were a menace to the sailors.

  • Example

    The dog was a menace to the neighborhood.

  • Example

    The reckless driver was a menace on the road.

  • Example

    The criminal was considered a menace to society.

menace Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for menace

Antonyms for menace

Phrases with menace

  • to be a person who is likely to cause harm or trouble to others

    Example

    The serial killer was a menace to society and was eventually caught by the police.

  • to pose a menace to someone/something

    to be a threat or danger to someone or something

    Example

    The rising sea levels pose a menace to coastal cities around the world.

  • to start behaving in a way that is likely to cause harm or trouble to others

    Example

    The teenager became a menace to his classmates after he started bullying them.

Origins of menace

from Old French 'menace', from Latin 'minacia', meaning 'threat'

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Summary: menace in Brief

The term 'menace' [men-is] refers to a person, thing, or situation that is likely to cause harm or trouble. It can be a threat or danger, as exemplified by 'The dark clouds were a menace to the sailors.' 'Menace' extends into phrases like 'to be a menace to society,' denoting a person who is likely to cause harm or trouble to others, and 'to pose a menace to someone/something,' indicating a threat or danger.

How do native speakers use this expression?