portent

[ pawr-tent, pohr- ]
/ ˈpɔr tɛnt, ˈpoʊr- /

noun

an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous.
threatening or disquieting significance: an occurrence of dire portent.
a prodigy or marvel.

Origin of portent

1555–65; < Latin portentum sign, token, noun use of neuter of portentus, past participle of portendere to portend

SYNONYMS FOR portent

1 augury, warning. See sign.
2 import.

Example sentences from the Web for portent

British Dictionary definitions for portent

portent
/ (ˈpɔːtɛnt) /

noun

a sign or indication of a future event, esp a momentous or calamitous one; omen
momentous or ominous significance a cry of dire portent
a miraculous occurrence; marvel

Word Origin for portent

C16: from Latin portentum sign, omen, from portendere to portend