脅かす

• Reading: おびやかす
• Romaji: obiyakasu
• Kanji breakdown: 脅 (kyou/obiya) — threaten, menace, coerce
• Pronunciation: /o.bi.ja.ka.sɯ/

Meaning

To threaten; to endanger; to pose a danger to; to intimidate on a broad scale.

A Group 1 (godan) verb distinct from 脅す (おどす, to coerce or blackmail). 脅かす implies endangering or posing a wider threat — to peace, safety, or existence — rather than direct verbal coercion. Conjugates as 脅かさ-ない, 脅かし-ます. Prevalent in political, environmental, and security discourse.

Examples

1. 気候変動は地球上のすべての生命を脅かす深刻な問題だ。 Climate change is a serious issue that threatens all life on Earth.
2. 国境付近での軍事的緊張が地域の安定を脅かしている。 Military tensions near the border are threatening regional stability.
3. 感染症の拡大が公衆衛生を脅かすリスクとして改めて注目された。 The spread of infectious diseases has drawn renewed attention as a risk that threatens public health.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, environment, security, journalism

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From 脅 (threaten, coerce) combined with the causative verb suffix かす. The kanji 脅 shows a figure under pressure from multiple sides, conveying coercion and menace.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated