portent

American  

[pawr-tent, pohr-] / ˈpɔr tɛnt, ˈpoʊr- /

noun

1. an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous.

   Synonyms:

   warning , augury

2. threatening or disquieting significance.

   an occurrence of dire portent.

   Synonyms:

   import

3. a prodigy or marvel.

---

portent British  

/ ˈpɔːtɛnt /

noun

1. a sign or indication of a future event, esp a momentous or calamitous one; omen

2. momentous or ominous significance

   a cry of dire portent

3. a miraculous occurrence; marvel

---

Related Words

See sign.

Etymology

Origin of portent

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin portentum “sign, token,” noun use of neuter of portentus, past participle of portendere “to signify, presage, portend”; portend

Example Sentences

All the efforts to save microchip production in the U.S. come amid undeniable portents of the end of microchips.

From The Wall Street Journal

Are England's batting struggles in these first two ODIs an early portent for another southern hemisphere winter of discontent?

From BBC

As Ukrainians prepare for their fifth winter at war, what has happened to Chernihiv in recent weeks serves as a portent for cities throughout the country.

From The Wall Street Journal

In particular those involved with betting, and there was an early portent of what was to come in 1996.

From BBC

Australia appeared satisfied with their morning's work - but in a curious way it had maybe given South Africa a psychological lift and was portent of what was to come in the remainder of the day.

From BBC

Related Words

• harbinger
• omen
• premonition