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 by over ).

impend

/ ɪmˈpɛnd /

verb

1. (esp of something threatening) to be about to happen; be imminent
2. rare.
   foll by over to be suspended; hang

Derived Forms

• imˈpendence, noun

Other Words From

• super·im·pend 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

Trump's lawyers want a judge to overturn his New York conviction on the grounds of presidential immunity, and because of his impending term in the White House.

From BBC

But she fears his impending presidency, because she worries about her siblings who are in the country without authorization.

From Los Angeles Times

After TSA notified residents in August of an impending 7% rent increase, nearly 40 tenants emailed letters protesting the rent spike and airing grievances, including malfunctioning fire alarms and elevator breakdowns.

From Los Angeles Times

They should use the state’s power and influence to mount a pro-environment offense, counteracting as much of the impending damage as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

The city worked to relocate Section 14 residents and ensure they would have housing following their impending evictions but, as one city document notes, not all efforts were successful.

From Los Angeles Times