physical threat
Risk of harm
A physical threat is a communication—verbal, written, or gestured—that implies bodily harm to someone.
The threat need not be explicit; a raised fist or I know where you live can constitute a physical threat depending on context.
Law distinguishes physical threats from actual assault, though both may be criminal.
The term also describes danger from objects or conditions: The crumbling bridge posed a physical threat to motorists.
- imminent dangerThreat about to occur
- dangerExposure to harm
- menaceSource of potential harm
- violenceHarmful physical force
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
assault · attack · violent crime · bodily harm · harm · aggression · hostile · blunt force · fear · fight or flight · warning · bodily · injury · risk · peril · bruise · weapon · raised fist
- coercionduress, coercing, compelling, forcing, demands
- self-defenseself-defense, martial arts, self-protection, karate, pepper spray
- security threatshacker, cyberattack, malware, cyber attack, hacking
physical threatverbal threat
Spoken promise of harm
emotional manipulation · verbal abuse · implied threat · veiled threat
physical threatphysical security
Protection of tangible assets
protection · safe haven · sanctuary · refuge · safety
physical threatreassurance
Words meant to calm
comfort · embrace · gentle touch · helping hand · rescue
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