noun
A declaring of oneÂ’s
intention to cause harm or loss to anotherÂ’s person or property or to limit
oneÂ’s freedom to act in a lawful voluntary manner (a threat to kidnap). A
threat may be made by innuendo or suggestion, as well as by explicit language,
and may be the basis of criminal or civil liability. Mere words, however, have
been held not to constitute an assault. See also
coercion,
extortion, and
fighting words.