'portend' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'portendere,' where 'por-' meant 'forth' and 'tendere' meant 'to stretch.'

'portendere' transformed into the Old French word 'portendre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'portend' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to stretch forth as a sign,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to be a sign or warning of a future event.'