portend

verb

por·​tend pȯr-ˈtend 

portended; portending; portends

transitive verb

1

: to give an omen or anticipatory sign of

The distant thunder portended a storm.

… natural disasters and other events that might portend the end of history.

—Michael Luo

2

: indicate, signify

Perhaps the present concern with the values of liberal arts education … portends an intellectual anemia …

—Ann Spinney

Did you know?

It may seem like a stretch to say that portend, beloved verb of seers, soothsayers, and meteorologists alike, is related to tendon—the word we use to refer to the dense white fibrous tissue that helps us, well, stretch—but it’s likely true. Portend comes from the Latin verb portendere (“to predict or foretell”), which in turn developed as a combination of the prefix por- (“forward”) and the verb tendere (“to stretch”). Tendere is thought to have led to tendon, among other words. So you might imagine portend as having a literal meaning of “stretching forward to predict.” In any event, the history of the word surely showcases the flexibility of our language.

Examples of portend in a Sentence

The distant thunder portended a storm.

If you're superstitious, a black cat portends trouble.

Recent Examples on the Web

In other words, current prices still do not reflect the extent of shortages a prolonged conflict portends. —Rob Wile, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026

While the ultimate impact of these cases remains uncertain, experts say the mounting legal and public pressure could portend major changes in how companies design their apps, deliver content and integrate safety features into their platforms. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

Cascio said the results don’t portend bad results for his party in November. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

The cacophony of drills and construction trucks outside Porte de Clichy Station portends a major public transit expansion, intended to benefit not just the city of Paris but the suburbs around it. —Marie Patino, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin portendere, from por- forward (akin to per through) + tendere to stretch — more at for, thin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for portend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend

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Kids Definition

portend

verb

por·​tend pȯr-ˈtend 

pōr-

: to give a sign or warning of beforehand