What Is a Threat?

• The Merriam Webster Dictionary (see References) defines a threat as "an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury or damage." What this mean is that a threat is a phrase uttered by someone that is meant to provoke fear of bodily, mental or legal harm. A threat can also be a physical action. Legally, threats fall under the definition of assault.
  
  

What Does a Threat Sound Like?

• Threats come in many varieties. Sometimes the threat is a threat of physical violence. The phrase "I'm going to beat you up" is a threat, as is "I'm going to kill you." However, threats are sometimes nonverbal. If someone points at you and then drags a finger across his throat, this is a threat. Another nonverbal threat would be to pound your fist into your hand. A threat doesn't always have to be a threat of physical violence. If someone says "I'm going to sue you," this is a threat. If you feel frightened or uneasy about something somebody says, this may be a threat.
  
  

Who Makes Threats?

• Almost everybody makes a threat at some point in her life. You've probably told a friend or family member to "leave me alone or I'll..." This is a threat. If you've stared at somebody aggressively, you are threatening her. If you shake your fist at a bad driver, you are threatening him. Threats are a common occurrence. Violent and aggressive people make threats more often due to their high tempers. Criminals also make many threats due to their lifestyle.
  
  

Should I Take Threats Seriously?

• Threats don't always have to be taken seriously. If you are wrestling with a friend and he threatens to "beat your head in," he's probably just having fun in the moment. Sometimes threats are a joke and not meant to be taken seriously. However, many times they are not a joke and should be taken very seriously. If you just got involved in a minor fender-bender, and the enraged driver threatens to beat you up, this is a serious threat. If anybody threatens to kill you out of the context of a joke, you should be concerned.
  
  

What Can I Do if I've Been Threatened?

• There are a few legal recourses when being seriously threatened. To get the person away from you immediately, you can call the police. This will work by either getting him to leave you alone, or by getting him arrested. Making threats is serious, and he may be put on trial for assault. Before the trial begins, however, he may be let free on bail. He will, no doubt, be angry witht you for getting him arrested and may even threaten you again.
  
  Another legal recourse is the restraining order. A restraining order is a legal document that limits the proximity a person can have with you, and limits the personal contact you can have with that person. She is informed of the restraining order. This isn't a perfect system, as the person can break the restraining order if she wishes. However, if she does she will be arrested again.