portend(v = verb.communication) augur, auspicate, betoken, bode, forecast, foreshadow, foretell, omen, predict, prefigure, presage, prognosticate - indicate by signs; "These signs bode bad news"
is one way to bespeak, betoken, indicate, point, signal
Derived form noun portent₁
Sample sentences: Something ----s something

1.  To indicate (events, misfortunes, etc.) as in future; to foreshow; to foretoken; to bode; -- now used esp. of unpropitious signs. Bacon. [1913 Webster]
"Many signs portended a dark and stormy day." [1913 Webster]

2.  To stretch out before. Pope. [1913 Webster]

portend, v.tr.
1 foreshadow as an omen.
2 give warning of.

Etymology:
ME f. L portendere portent- f. por- PRO-(1) + tendere stretch

VB  predict, prognosticate, prophesy, vaticinate, divine, foretell, soothsay, augurate, tell fortunes, cast a horoscope, cast a nativity, advise, forewarn, presage, augur, bode, abode, forebode, foretoken, betoken, prefigure, preshow, portend, foreshow, foreshadow, shadow forth, typify, pretypify, ominate, signify, point to, usher in, herald, premise, announce, lower, hold out expectation, raise expectation, excite expectation, excite hope, bid fair, promise, lead one to expect, be the precursor, extrapolate, project.