Definition of "threshold" in English

noun

1. The lowermost part of a doorway that one crosses to enter; a sill.

2. (by extension) An entrance; the door or gate of a house.

3. (by extension) Any end or boundary.

4. (figurative) The outset of something; the point of entry, or the beginning of an action.

   • I arrived at last, did obeisance to my uncle, and told him everything. He thought it over and said: ' […] At the threshold of death, how dare I give you permission to go to England, to cross the seas? But I will not stand in your way. It is your mother's permission which really matters. If she permit you, then godspeed! Tell her I will not interfere. You will go with my blessings.'

5. (aviation) The start of the landing area of a runway.

6. (engineering) The quantitative point at which an action is triggered, especially a lower limit.

7. The wage or salary at which income tax becomes due.

8. The point where one is mentally or physically vulnerable in response to a provocation or to other nuisances.