Harbinger

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːbɪndʒə/

Definitions

1. A sign or indication that something, typically momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen soon
2. A precursor that suggests or predicts the imminent arrival of significant events or changes
3. An entity that signals forthcoming developments, particularly those of great importance or consequence

Etymology: In medieval England, a harbinger was a person sent ahead of a royal household or army to find and mark lodgings. The word came from Old French "herbergeor," a person who arranged shelter, which in turn came from "herbergier," meaning to take shelter or set up camp. Behind that lies Old High German "heribergan," literally "to shelter an army," built from words for army and shelter. The job was practical and often unwelcome. The advance agent chalked or marked the doors of chosen houses, claiming them for the travelling party, so the word named a kind of logistical scout before it named anything ominous. The shift to its modern sense came from the idea that such a forerunner announces an arrival. Someone who went ahead to prepare the way came to be seen as a sign of what was coming, and "harbinger" now means something that signals a future event, as in a harbinger of spring.

Synonyms: forerunner, precursor

Antonyms: follower