(ˈ)pȯr|tend, (ˈ)pȯ(ə)|t- also (ˈ)pōr|t- or (ˈ)pōə|t- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English portenden, from Latin portendere to foretell, predict, from por- (akin to Latin per through) + tendere to stretch — more at fare , tend
1. : to give an omen or anticipatory sign of : bode , presage
portend at least the beginnings of tax relief for small business — Nation's Business
that the appearance of the black pig portends serious trouble in Ireland is generally believed — Irish Digest
2. : forecast , predict
where this process will stop no one can portend — D.M.Friedenberg
3. : indicate , mean , signify
perhaps the present concern with the values of liberal arts education … portends an intellectual anemia — Ann Spinney
4.
[French pourtendre, from Middle French portendre, modification of Latin protendere, from pro forth, before + tendere to stretch — more at for ]
obsolete : to stretch out before : extend
Synonyms: see foretell