脅かす
おどかす · odokasu · JLPT N2 · verb-godan
to threaten
🔪 脅 = flesh 月 + three 力 (power) stacked: force aimed at the body = threaten
The left radical 月 means flesh, and the right part 劦 is three 力 (power) stacked. Threatening means pressing power onto a body, which also covers coercing someone by intimidation.
おびやかす · obiyakasu · JLPT N1 · verb-godan
to threaten
🔪 脅 = flank (flesh radical) + three forces: pressing a side to threaten
The flesh radical marks the body's side, and the verb grew from pressing someone's flank to force compliance. Related words: 脅迫 (kyōhaku, coercion) and 脅威 (kyōi, threat).