WordLens

menace

1 of 2noun
/ˈmɛ.nəs/
Forms:menaces
1

something that feels like it could cause harm or trouble, making people worried or uneasy

  • The dark alleyway had an eerie menace about it, deterring pedestrians from venturing further.
  • The aggressive behavior of the stray dog presented a menace to the neighborhood, prompting calls for animal control.
  • The presence of armed guards created a palpable sense of menace at the border checkpoint.
  • The persistent cyber threats posed a growing menace to the security of the company's network and data.
  • The criminal organization was considered a menace to society, causing widespread fear and unrest in the community.
2

someone or something that causes or is likely to cause danger or damage

C1
  • The increasing pollution in the river is a serious menace to the local wildlife.
  • The cybercriminal's activities became a growing menace to online security.
  • The dictator's regime was considered a menace to the neighboring countries.
  • The stray dog, once friendly, had become a menace to the community after several attacks.
  • The invasive plant species posed a menace to the native vegetation in the region.
Synonyms:
threat