<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to indicate in advance; to foreshadow or presage, as an omen does</li><li>The street incident may portend a general uprising</li><li>to signify; mean</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>forebode</li><li>betoken</li><li>augur</li><li>forecast</li><li>foretell</li></ul>