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

He was told by his captors of his impending release a week before it happened.

From BBC

Russell Vought, the White House's budget chief, briefed Republicans behind closed doors on what the impending layoffs could look like, although public details of those plans are sparse.

From BBC

About the impending federal government shutdown, Harris said Democrats must be clear that the fault lies squarely with Republicans because they control the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Tillman says he is now far more aware of the warning signs of impending burnout, which for him include changing sleep patterns or eating habits, taking less exercise or not walking the dog.

From BBC

A man once appeared on “Fox and Friends,” the Fox News morning show, to offer his opinion about an impending government shutdown over one of America’s perennial budget battles.

From Salon