prefigure

pre·fig·ure

verb
\ˌprē-ˈfi-gyər, especially British -ˈfi-gər\

Definition of PREFIGURE

transitive verb

1

: to show, suggest, or announce by an antecedent type, image, or likeness

2

: to picture or imagine beforehand

— pre·fig·ure·ment \-mənt\ noun

Examples of PREFIGURE

1. His style of painting prefigured the development of modern art.
2. <the first crocus traditionally prefigures the arrival of spring>

Origin of PREFIGURE

Middle English, from Late Latin praefigurare, from Latin prae- pre- + figurare to shape, picture, from figura figure

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PREFIGURE

Synonyms: adumbrate, forerun, harbinger, herald, foreshadow

Related Words: anticipate, foreknow, foresee; forecast, foretell, predict, prognosticate, prophesy; forewarn; augur, bode, forebode (also forbode), portend, presage, promise; allude, connote, hint, imply, insinuate, intimate, suggest

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