forerun

[ fawr-ruhn, fohr- ]

verb (used with object)

, fore·ran, fore·run, fore·run·ning.

1. to run in front of; come before; precede.
2. to be the precursor or harbinger of; prefigure.
3. to anticipate or foretell.
4. to forestall.
5. to outrun or outstrip.

forerun

/ fɔːˈrʌn /

verb

1. to serve as a herald for
2. to go before; precede
3. to prevent or forestall

Word History and Origins

Origin of forerun¹

1505–15; fore- + run; probably not continuous with Middle English forerennen (intransitive) to run ahead, Old English fōryrnan

Example Sentences

The report regarding the arrival of the Swiss had only forerun the event by a few hours, for the sound of drums and trumpets heard from the side of the Cemetery of the Innocents towards seven o'clock in the morning, announced to the Parisians that a large body of troops had been introduced in the night, without the city in general knowing it; and in a few minutes after the movements of these forces evidently showed that some grand stroke was to be struck by the Court against its enemies.

From Project Gutenberg

Foreran, fōr-ran′, pa.t. of forerun.

From Project Gutenberg

Forerun, fōr-run′, v.t. to run or come before: to precede.—n.

From Project Gutenberg

Forerun′ner, a runner or messenger sent before: a sign that something is to follow.

From Project Gutenberg

Does ulceration occur in the stomach or intestines, and threaten to penetrate through them—inflammation will often forerun and provide against the danger—glue the threatened membrane to whatever surface may be next it....

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• augur
• forebode
• foresee
• foreshadow
• foretell
• portend
• signify