# menacing

/ˈmɛnəsɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈɛnɪsɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/menacing
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

suggesting that something bad or dangerous is going to happen. You use this to describe a person, look, or sound that makes you feel unsafe.

For teachers: suggesting the presence of danger; threatening or portending evil. Often used to describe physical presence, facial expressions, or atmospheric conditions.

## Examples

- The dark clouds look menacing in the distance.
- The stranger gave him a menacing look that made him want to leave the room immediately.
- The soundtrack shifted from a light melody to a low, menacing drone, signaling to the audience that the protagonist was no longer alone in the forest.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'look' or 'sound'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.