preordain

[ pree-awr-deyn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to ordain beforehand; foreordain.

preordain

/ ˌpriːɔːdɪˈneɪʃən; ˌpriːɔːˈdeɪn /

verb

1. tr to ordain, decree, or appoint beforehand

Derived Forms

• preordination, noun

Other Words From

• pre·or·di·na·tion [pree-awr-dn-, ey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• unpre·or·dained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preordain¹

First recorded in 1525–35; pre- + ordain

Example Sentences

But it is going to be a long time until November, and the outcome on Election Day is not preordained.

From Salon

Moore thanked members of the Unified Command, noting that it was not preordained that they would be able to move so quickly and safely, recover all six victims’ bodies and swiftly launch support programs.

From Seattle Times

Pundits and political watchers spoke about an ugly fall battle between two well-funded Democrats as practically preordained.

From Los Angeles Times

After securing another term in a preordained election in March, President Vladimir Putin vowed to carve out a “sanitary zone” to protect Russia’s border regions from Ukrainian shelling and incursions.

From Seattle Times

And yet, the ascent of India in the world economy seems preordained.

From New York Times

Related Words

• foretell
• predetermine