menace

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C,usually sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that will probably cause serious damage, harm or danger SYNTHREAT: a new initiative aimed at beating the menace of illegal drugs * The communists remain a potential menace to the stability of the government. 2 [U] an atmosphere that makes you feel threatened or frightened: a sense / an air / a hint of menace in his voice 3 [C,usually sing.] (informal) a person or thing that is annoying or causes trouble SYNNUISANCE: Slugs can be a menace in the greenhouse in winter. 4 (menaces) [pl.] (BrE, law) threats that sb will cause harm if they do not get what they are asking for: to demand money with menaces verb [VN] (formal) to be a possible danger to sth/sb SYNTHREATEN: The forests are being menaced by major development projects.