verb
spell
To signal or bring about an outcome.
The broken pump spells trouble for the factory.
Etymology
The verb's association with stating words developed into making a meaning clear. An event that spells disaster indicates or brings about that outcome.
More examples
- The defeat spelled the end of their campaign.
- The new rule has spelled higher costs for small shops.
- Those delays are spelling disaster for the schedule.
Forms
spell · spells · spelled · spelling