forebode

[ fawr-bohd, fohr- ]

verb (used with object)

, fore·bod·ed, fore·bod·ing.

1. to foretell or predict; be an omen of; indicate beforehand; portend:

   clouds that forebode a storm.

   Synonyms: augur, forecast, presage, foreshadow

2. to have a strong inner feeling or notion of (a future misfortune, evil, catastrophe, etc.); have a presentiment of.

verb (used without object)

, fore·bod·ed, fore·bod·ing.

1. to prophesy.
2. to have a presentiment.

forebode

/ fɔːˈbəʊd /

verb

1. to warn of or indicate (an event, result, etc) in advance
2. to have an intuition or premonition of (an event)

Derived Forms

• foreˈboder, noun

Other Words From

• fore·boder noun
• unfore·boded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forebode¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; fore- + bode ¹

Example Sentences

The color has also been used to forebode an omen or a threat.

From The Daily Beast

The storm raised over King Christian's letter was such as to forebode no other settlement than by arms.

From Project Gutenberg

From her history the shadow of the Horde, one is tempted to forebode, in the words of Poe, shall be lifted nevermore.

From Project Gutenberg

The menaces of my persecutor seemed to forebode the inevitable interruption of this system.

From Project Gutenberg

This profound tranquility excited the suspicions of the Black Bear; it seemed to forebode an impending storm.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps—but her tone did not forebode a cheerful conversation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• presage