'forebode' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'forebodian,' where 'fore-' meant 'before' and 'bodian' meant 'announce.'

'forebodian' transformed into the Middle English word 'forboden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'forebode.'

Initially, it meant 'to announce beforehand,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to predict or foretell, especially something bad or harmful.'