skɜːdʒ skɝdʒ ˈtɛɚ ˈtɛɹə declaration of an intention or a determination to inflict harm on another his threat to kill me was quite explicit a warning that something unpleasant is imminent they were under threat of arrest a person who inspires fear or dread he was the terror of the neighborhood something that is a source of danger earthquakes are a constant threat in Japan