[with obj.]be a sign or warning that (something, especially something momentous or calamitous) is likely to happen 预示(重大或灾难事件)可能发生 the eclipses portend some major events. 日食月食预示某些重大事件可能发生。
语源
late Middle English: from Latin portendere, based on pro- 'forth' + tendere 'stretch'