foreboding

[fawr-boh-ding, fohr-]

noun

1. a prediction; portent.

2. a strong inner feeling or notion of a future misfortune, evil, etc.; presentiment.

adjective

1. that forebodes, especially evil.

foreboding

/ fɔːˈbəʊdɪŋ /

noun

1. a feeling of impending evil, disaster, etc

2. an omen or portent

adjective

1. presaging something

Other Word Forms

• forebodingly adverb
• forebodingness noun
• unforeboding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of foreboding¹

1350–1400; Middle English forbodyng (noun); forebode, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Meanwhile Nathan Johnson’s score of scratchy cellos and foreboding horns pairs well with a dramatic burst of organ music — one of many goofy-great jump scares goosed up by the editor Bob Ducsay.

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Consider the foreboding for England if they were to lose.

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There was a foreboding feeling before kickoff for a home team whose stadium was awash in the color of the visitors.

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We entered the final 10 minutes and the sense of foreboding began to grow.

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From the celebration of the deceased known as Día de los Muertos, to the foreboding thrills and life lessons underpinning Latin America’s fiendish folklore, spooky things are as revered as they are feared.

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Related Words

• apprehension 
• dread 
• premonition