impend

[im-pend]

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 ).

impend

/ ɪmˈpɛnd /

verb

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

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

Other Word Forms

• superimpend verb (used without object)
• impendence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impend¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of impend¹

C16: from Latin impendēre to overhang, from pendēre to hang

Example Sentences

The impending transaction still requires regulatory approval in several countries including Canada, the U.S. and China.

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James wrote on Instagram as news of Paul’s impending retirement spread.

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He is cradling the ball in his left hand and warding off impending tacklers with his right, a striking bronze symbol of a university’s resilience and strength.

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The impending doom of economic insecurity has terrified us—and rightfully so.

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Will Arnett shows previously unexplored dramatic depths as a man who, in the free-fall of an impending divorce, undertakes stand-up comedy as a therapeutic release.

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