Portend

To indicate or warn of a future event or outcome; to serve as a sign or omen. The term often implies a foreboding or significant event that is likely to take place, suggesting that there is an element of prediction or prophecy involved. It is commonly used in both literary and conversational contexts to describe something that foreshadows an event, particularly one of a serious or catastrophic nature.

Portend meaning with examples

• The dark clouds gathering on the horizon seemed to portend an approaching storm, leaving the townsfolk to prepare for what might be a day of heavy rain and strong winds. People hurriedly secured their belongings, knowing from experience that such ominous signs often resulted in severe weather that could disrupt their daily routines.
• The sudden and unexplained increase in the wolf population in the protected forest area seemed to portend a major ecological imbalance, prompting conservationists to investigate the potential consequences for local biodiversity. Experts feared that unchecked predation could lead to a steep decline in smaller fauna, which would eventually ripple through the food web.
• The economic indicators released by the central bank were troubling and appeared to portend a recession on the horizon, causing anxiety among investors and policymakers alike. As financial markets reacted swiftly, discussions about possible strategies to mitigate the downturn began circulating among experts in economic forums.
• The strange behavior of the animals in the wild seemed to portend a significant seismic event, as experts noted that wildlife often exhibited unusual patterns before earthquakes. Researchers intensified their monitoring efforts, hoping to better understand the connection between animal behavior and earth's geological shifts, potentially saving lives through advance warnings.
• The ancient prophecy foretold a hero who would rise in troubled times to combat darkness, yet many interpreted the signs surrounding the land's decay to portend a greater conflict. Scholars debated the meaning of the prophecies, speculating on how the current struggles reflected a cycle of history, where hope and despair were continually intertwined.