Basic Details
Word: Menace
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person or thing that is likely to cause harm or trouble.
Synonyms: Threat, danger, risk
Antonyms: Safety, protection, reassurance
Idioms and Phrases
- A real menace: Refers to someone or something that is genuinely dangerous or troublesome. Example: "The stray dog was a real menace in the neighbourhood, scaring everyone."
- Menace to society: Someone who causes harm or trouble to others in a community. Example: "His reckless behaviour made him a menace to society, prompting authorities to intervene."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The storm posed a significant menace to the coastal towns, leading to many warnings being issued.
Example 2: Without proper supervision, the children can become a menace when they play outside.
Example 3: The invasive plant species has turned into a menace for the local ecosystem, choking out the native plants.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, the word "menace" comes from the Latin word "minacia," meaning “threat,” which reflects its original meaning as something that signifies danger.
Famous Quote
"The greatest menace to our world is the ability of meaningful communication to create a composite reality." William H. Gass
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "menace" mean?
a) A pleasant neighbour
b) A person or thing that causes harm or trouble
c) A type of flower
d) A delicious treat
Answer: b) A person or thing that causes harm or trouble
2. Which of these is a synonym of "menace"?
a) Safety
b) Risk
c) Joy
d) Friend
Answer: b) Risk
3. Which is an antonym of "menace"?
a) Danger
b) Threat
c) Protection
d) Risk
Answer: c) Protection
4. Which sentence uses "menace" correctly?
a) The butterfly was a beautiful menace in the garden.
b) The noisy crowd posed a menace during the concert.
c) She quickly painted a menace on the canvas.
d) The cake looked like a menace.
Answer: b) The noisy crowd posed a menace during the concert.
5. Which idiom means someone who causes trouble?
a) Menace to society
b) As fit as a fiddle
c) Busy as a bee
d) A piece of cake
Answer: a) Menace to society
