predetermine

[ pree-di-tur-min ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·de·ter·mined, pre·de·ter·min·ing.

1. to settle or decide in advance:

   He had predetermined his answer to the offer.

2. to ordain in advance; predestine:

   She believed that God had predetermined her sorrow.

3. to direct or impel; influence strongly:

   His sympathy for poor people predetermined his choice of a career.

predetermine

/ ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːmɪn /

verb

1. to determine beforehand
2. to influence or incline towards an opinion beforehand; bias

Derived Forms

• ˌpredeˌtermiˈnation, noun
• ˌpredeˈterminer, noun
• ˌpredeˈterminative, adjective

Other Words From

• prede·termi·nation noun
• pre·de·ter·mi·na·tive [pree-di-, tur, -m, uh, -ney-tiv, -n, uh, -tiv], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of predetermine¹

First recorded in 1615–25; pre- + determine

Example Sentences

“I believe it’s also an important principle that the speaker not predetermine the outcome of that, or dictate objectives or benchmarks,” he told reporters.

From Washington Times

“What I did say is that is wrong if she doesn’t. She needs to recuse herself if you predetermine an outcome.”

From Washington Times

It’s a necessary cautionary safeguard, because big plays in training-camp scrimmages, going against a Seahawks defense whose prowess is very much in doubt, does not necessarily predetermine a barrage of big plays when they play for real.

From Seattle Times

He also said Ukraine must be prepared to accept Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, which would effectively predetermine the outcome of any future negotiated settlement.

From Salon

He refused to give an answer, to bind himself to one reality or the other, to predetermine what his successful path could be instead of living presently.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• predispose