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

• impendence noun
• superimpend verb (used without object)

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

The report adds that "humans can... be reluctant to utilise system functions that will alert them to impending problems".

From BBC

Numerous rural hospitals across the country are facing difficult decisions based on the impending loss of federal funding.

From Salon

Derek recently posted a video about the store’s impending closure on social media, including video footage of a robber assaulting his mother and stealing her purse from the back of the store.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2021, he said France had not heeded warnings of impending carnage and had for too long "valued silence over examination of the truth".

From BBC

However, Gleeson was reportedly excluded from a Wallabies training camp, external at the start of this year after news of his impending move to France became public.

From BBC