omen
o-men · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
An event or phenomenon believed to be a sign or warning of something to come, especially something significant.
- 2.
A prophetic significance; a foreboding quality.
Forms
plural: omens
Phrases & expressions
- •good omen — A sign that something positive will happen
- •bad omen — A sign that something negative will happen
- •omen of doom — A warning of disaster or catastrophe
- •ill omen — An unfavorable sign
Related words
Etymology
From Latin omen ("sign, token, prophecy"). The Latin word is of uncertain origin, possibly related to audire ("to hear"), suggesting something heard as a divine message.