impend

American  

[im-pend] / ɪmˈpɛnd /

verb (used without object)

1. to be imminent; be about to happen.

2. to threaten or menace.

   He felt that danger impended.

3. Archaic. to hang or be suspended; overhang (usually followed byover ).

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impend British  

/ ɪmˈpɛnd /

verb

1. (esp of something threatening) to be about to happen; be imminent

2. rare (foll by over) to be suspended; hang

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Other Word Forms

• impendence noun
• superimpend verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of impend

First recorded in 1580–90, impend is from the Latin word impendēre to hang over, threaten. See im- ¹, pend

Example Sentences

More recently, the clearest indications of an impending shift have surfaced inside the centres of power themselves, particularly within the armed forces.

From BBC

Block Communications announced the impending closure on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

But despite the memorable experience, it took 30 years, and the impending closure to return.

From Los Angeles Times

A parliamentary committee report from a decade ago warned that the Palace of Westminster "faces an impending crisis which we cannot responsibly ignore".

From BBC

That anticipation is also clouded by the uncertainty of the impending Warner Bros. deal and what that will mean for movie releases.

From Los Angeles Times