harbinger

HAHR-bin-jer, noun

A sign that foreshadows what is coming.

“The first crane downtown was a harbinger of the boom.”

Where harbinger comes from

It first meant the person sent ahead to find lodging for an army or a king.

Difficulty: advanced. One of 440 entries written and checked by hand.

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pernicious Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
capricious Given to sudden, unpredictable changes of mood or behavior.
gregarious Fond of company; sociable.
laconic Using very few words; terse to the point of seeming curt.
magnanimous Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.
obfuscate To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.
sycophant A person who flatters the powerful to gain advantage.
taciturn Habitually quiet and reserved in speech.