B1 noun Neutral

위협

/wiβjʌp/

A person or thing likely to cause damage or danger. It can also refer to a statement of intent to inflict harm.

Examples

3 of 5
1

밤길이 위험하니 위협을 느끼면 바로 신고하세요.

The roads are dangerous at night, so report immediately if you feel threatened.

2

사이버 공격은 국가 안보에 심각한 위협이다.

Cyber attacks are a serious threat to national security.

3

너 지금 나 위협하는 거야?

Are you threatening me right now?

Word Family

Noun
위협
Verb
위협하다
Adverb
위협적으로
Adjective
위협적
💡

Memory Tip

Sounds like 'We-up' — when a threat comes, your hands go 'up'.

Quick Quiz

지구 온난화는 해수면 상승을 초래하여 섬나라들에게 큰 ______이 된다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 위협

Examples

1

밤길이 위험하니 위협을 느끼면 바로 신고하세요.

everyday

The roads are dangerous at night, so report immediately if you feel threatened.

2

사이버 공격은 국가 안보에 심각한 위협이다.

academic

Cyber attacks are a serious threat to national security.

3

너 지금 나 위협하는 거야?

informal

Are you threatening me right now?

4

경제 위기는 중소기업의 존립을 위협하고 있다.

business

The economic crisis is threatening the existence of small businesses.

5

북극곰은 멸종 위협에 처해 있습니다.

formal

Polar bears are facing the threat of extinction.

Word Family

Noun
위협
Verb
위협하다
Adverb
위협적으로
Adjective
위협적

Common Collocations

심각한 위협 serious threat
위협을 가하다 to pose a threat
위협을 느끼다 to feel threatened
안보 위협 security threat
생존 위협 threat to survival

Common Phrases

멸종 위협

threat of extinction

폭력적인 위협

violent threat

위협적인 태도

threatening attitude

Often Confused With

위협 vs 위험

위험 is the general state of danger; 위협 is a specific source of danger or an intentional act of intimidation.

📝

Usage Notes

Essential for discussing environmental issues, international relations, or health risks in IELTS.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Using '위험' when a specific active threat (like a predator or a hacker) is meant.

💡

Memory Tip

Sounds like 'We-up' — when a threat comes, your hands go 'up'.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 威脅 (power + threaten).

Grammar Patterns

~에 위협이 되다 ~을/를 위협하다

Quick Quiz

지구 온난화는 해수면 상승을 초래하여 섬나라들에게 큰 ______이 된다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 위협

More academic words

분석하다

B2

To examine something in detail to understand its nature or structure. In an academic context, it refers to breaking down complex information into smaller parts to interpret data or theories.

영향

B2

The power or effect that something has on another person, thing, or situation. It is a core concept in academic writing when discussing cause and effect.

현상

B2

A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question. Used frequently to describe social or natural occurrences.

주장하다

B2

To state strongly that something is true, especially when others might disagree. This is a fundamental verb for reporting opinions in academic essays.

증가하다

B2

To become greater in size, amount, or degree. This is the most common verb used in IELTS Writing Task 1 to describe upward trends in graphs.

감소하다

B2

To become smaller in size, amount, or number. It is the direct opposite of '증가하다' and essential for describing downward trends.

관점

B2

A particular way of considering or evaluating something; a perspective. It is used to present different angles of an argument.

결과

B2

A thing that is caused or produced by something else; an outcome. Crucial for discussing findings in research or the effects of social issues.

중요성

B2

The state or fact of being of great significance or value. Frequently used in introductions of academic essays to justify the topic.

해결책

B2

A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation. Essential for 'Problem and Solution' type essays in IELTS.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free