What is the best definition for the word portend?

The term "portend" is best defined as to forecast or predict something, often something significant or ominous. It is derived from the idea that certain signs or indicators can signal future events before they happen. For instance, dark clouds may portend a storm, meaning they suggest or indicate that a storm is likely to occur. This aligns closely with the choice of "forecast," as both words share the concept of anticipating upcoming events based on current signs or information.