prefigure

[pree-fig-yer]

verb (used with object)

prefigured, prefiguring 

1. to show or represent beforehand by a figure or type; foreshadow.

2. to picture or represent to oneself beforehand; imagine.

prefigure

/ priːˈfɪɡə /

verb

1. to represent or suggest in advance

2. to imagine or consider beforehand

Other Word Forms

• prefigurement noun
• prefigurative adjective
• prefiguratively adverb
• prefigurativeness noun
• unprefigured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prefigure¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin praefigūrāre. See pre-, figure (v.)

Example Sentences

Or, more specifically, the scapegoating and vilification of immigrants that prefigured Trump and his “poisoning the blood of our country” Sturm und Drang.

From Los Angeles Times

Indeed, the epic “Rock Show” prefigured McCartney’s plans for conquering the rock ‘n’ roll box office.

From Salon

That certainly wasn’t the first time a Leonard Cohen song seemed to prefigure events that had not happened, or to capture a global state of mind before it fully coalesced.

From Salon

You get some excellent fourth-wall-breaking and a finish that prefigures “Some Like It Hot.”

From Los Angeles Times

They did not expect what this vocabulary prefigured for their lives.

From Salon

Related Words

• foreshadow 
• foretell 
• presage 
• typify