Threatened

Experiencing a feeling or state of being at risk of harm, danger, or unpleasant consequences. This can stem from external forces, internal vulnerabilities, or a perceived imbalance of power. It often involves a sense of unease, vulnerability, and anticipation of potential negative outcomes. The source of the threat can be concrete and immediate or abstract and long-term. This can apply to a multitude of entities, from individuals and species to ecosystems and even abstract concepts like peace or stability. To feel Threatened is to acknowledge a potential vulnerability and the possibility of a detrimental impact.

Threatened meaning with examples

• The activists felt Threatened by the company's legal action after they exposed its environmental violations, leading them to consider scaling back their efforts for personal safety.
• The endangered snow leopard is Threatened by habitat loss and poaching, with its population dwindling due to human encroachment and the illegal wildlife trade.
• The small business felt Threatened by the arrival of a large corporation in their town, fearing that it would lead to a loss of customers and eventual bankruptcy.
• The old woman felt Threatened by the suspicious man lurking outside her house, prompting her to call the police and ensure her safety in her isolated home.