Portent

A portent is a sign or warning that something, typically something bad or significant, is likely to happen. It can manifest as an omen, an indication, or a prophecy. Often shrouded in mystery or ambiguity, a portent often requires interpretation to understand its meaning. Portents are frequently found in literature, folklore, and historical accounts, where they foreshadow events or provide insight into characters' fates. The word carries a strong sense of foreshadowing or premonition, often connected to supernatural or inexplicable events.

Portent meaning with examples

• The sudden flock of crows gathering over the battlefield served as a grim portent of impending doom. Soldiers, superstitious by nature, interpreted their behavior as a signal of death and defeat. The captain ordered a swift strategic reposition to avoid being exposed to the enemies attack.
• As the sky darkened ominously and the wind howled, the old fisherman felt a dark portent. He had a growing anxiety about the dangerous weather brewing on the horizon. He ordered the boat back to the harbor, hoping to escape the violent storm before it fully materialized.
• The recurrent dreams of falling, combined with the inexplicable illness spreading through the family, were a clear portent for Sarah. She became very worried that her family had a curse on them as strange things were happening. She decided to take them to a witch doctor.
• The unusual alignment of the planets in the astrological chart was viewed by the royal astrologers as a portent of either great fortune or impending turmoil within the kingdom. The advisors debated what the celestial phenomena meant for the king's reign. They prepared for war or abundance.