destine

[ des-tin ]

verb (used with object)

, des·tined, des·tin·ing.

1. to set apart for a particular use, purpose, etc.; design; intend.
2. to appoint or ordain beforehand, as by divine decree; foreordain; predetermine.

destine

/ ˈdɛstɪn /

verb

1. tr to set apart or appoint (for a certain purpose or person, or to do something); intend; design

Word History and Origins

Origin of destine¹

1250–1300; Middle English destinen < Old French destiner < Latin dēstināre to establish, determine, equivalent to dē- de- + *stanāre, derivative of stāre to stand

Word History and Origins

Origin of destine¹

C14: from Old French destiner, from Latin dēstināre to appoint, from de- + -stināre, from stāre to stand

Example Sentences

“I’m the only surgeon over there,” said Dr. Edward Destine, an orthopedic surgeon, waving toward a temporary operating room of corrugated tin set up near the airport in Les Cayes.

From New York Times

Taking a break from tending to the injured, Dr. Destine, the orthopedic surgeon, was trying to get his own father, also a surgeon, to the United States for treatment.

From New York Times

Dr. Destine said he expected thousands of people to get potentially deadly infections unless proper supplies were delivered in time.

From New York Times

“My parents are Haitian,” she said, adding that she was raised in Haitian dance culture — her teacher, Marie Edith Jean, was a disciple of the esteemed Jean-León Destiné.

From New York Times

The Mexican president said Biden repeated his proposal to destine $4 billion for that purpose in the region.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• doom
• intend