verb
also proph·e·cy -sī
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English prophecien, prophesien, from Middle French prophecier, prophesier, from Old French, from prophecie, prophesie, n.
transitive verb
1. : to utter or announce by or as if by divine inspiration : predict
prophesy general disaster
prophesy a fall in prices
2. : foreshow , prefigure
thy very gait did prophesy a royal nobleness — Shakespeare
intransitive verb
: to do the work or office of a prophet: as
a. : to speak for God or a deity : speak under the inspiring influence of religious experience : speak as or as if divinely inspired
b. : to give instruction in religious matters : interpret or expound Scripture or religious subjects : preach , exhort
c. : to speak or write under strong excitement or enthusiasm : speak or act with prophetic frenzy
d. : to make a prediction
to be a successful prophet you had to prophesy — Ernest Hemingway
Synonyms: see foretell