Portend definition

pôr-tĕnd

Words form:

Frequency:

Portend is defined as to be a warning or signal of.

When rain clouds warn of rain, this is an example of a time when the clouds portend rain.

verb

To serve as an omen or a warning of; presage.

Black clouds that portend a storm.

verb

To indicate by prediction; forecast.

Leading economic indicators that portend a recession.

verb

To serve as a warning or omen.

verb

Let it be known that the Rapture portends the End of Days.

verb

To be an omen or warning of; foreshadow; presage.

verb

To be an indication of; signify.

verb

Origin of portend

Middle English portenden from Latin portendere ten- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From the Latin portendere (“to foretell"), from por- (“forward") + tendere (“to stretch"), present active infinitive of tendo.

From Wiktionary