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foretell

[fawr-tel, fohr-]
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verb (used with object), fore·told, fore·tell·ing.
  1. to tell of beforehand; predict; prophesy.
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Origin of foretell

First recorded in 1250–1300, foretell is from the Middle English word fortell. See fore-, tell1
Related formsfore·tell·er, nounun·fore·told, adjective

Synonyms

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forecast, augur, presage, forebode.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for foretell

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • Few of us can foretell what may or may not happen under heaven.

  • Indeed, to this hour I have a lingering belief that cats can foretell the weather.

    Concerning Cats

    Helen M. Winslow

  • He cultivated the society of scholars, could interpret signs and foretell the future.

  • On the other hand, to dream of an onion is supposed in some parts to foretell sickness.

    Storyology

    Benjamin Taylor

  • And they do often foretell the most wonderful things; I know they do.

    The Gypsies

    Charles G. Leland

British Dictionary definitions for foretell

foretell

verb -tells, -telling or -told
  1. (tr; may take a clause as object) to tell or indicate (an event, a result, etc) beforehand; predict
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Derived Formsforeteller, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for foretell

v.

c.1300, from fore- + tell (v.). Related: Foretold; foretelling.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper