A threat is a statement (verbal, written or physical) which is intended to intimidate by expressing the intent to either harass, hurt, take the life of another person, or damage/destroy property. This includes threats made in jest but which others could perceive as serious.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
threat (noun)1.
an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
2.
one that - threatens
3.
an indication of something impending - the sky held a threat of rain
archaic - threaten
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
threat (noun)something that may cause injury or harm
SYNONYMS:
hazard, imminence, menace, peril, pitfall, risk, threat, troubleRELATED WORDS:
snare, trap; booby trapNEAR ANTONYMS:
guard, protection, safeguard, shield, ward; asylum, harbor, haven, refuge, retreat, shelterThreat, hazard, jeopardy, intimidation, endangerment