1.
to threaten, to menace, to endanger
To put something at risk or to pose a danger to something. Used for abstract threats to safety, stability, positions, or existence — not typically for direct verbal threats to a person.
地震が安全を脅かす。
Earthquakes threaten safety.
環境破壊が多くの種の生存を脅かしている。
Environmental destruction is threatening the survival of many species.
テロの脅威が国際社会の平和を脅かし続けている。
The threat of terrorism continues to endanger peace in the international community.
2.
to challenge, to rival, to press hard
To approach closely in competition, threatening to overtake or surpass someone's position or achievement.
新人がベテランの地位を脅かしている。
The newcomer is threatening the veteran's position.
二位のチームが首位を脅かす勢いだ。
The second-place team has the momentum to challenge the leader.
急成長する企業が業界トップの座を脅かしつつある。
A rapidly growing company is beginning to challenge the industry leader's top spot.
USAGE:
脅かす describes abstract or systemic threats — endangering safety, peace, survival, or positions. It differs from 脅す, which means to directly intimidate or threaten a person (e.g., with words or force). 脅かす is を-transitive (the thing threatened takes を).
Conjugation: godan verb (脅かさない / 脅かします / 脅かして).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 安全を脅かす: to threaten safety
- 平和を脅かす: to threaten peace
- 地位を脅かす: to threaten someone's position
- 生存を脅かす: to endanger survival
- 首位を脅かす: to challenge the top spot