predispose

[ pree-di-spohz ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·dis·posed, pre·dis·pos·ing.

1. to give an inclination or tendency to beforehand; make susceptible:

   Genetic factors may predispose human beings to certain metabolic diseases.

   Synonyms: prepare, prearrange

2. to render subject, susceptible, or liable:

   The evidence predisposes him to public censure.

3. to dispose beforehand.

   Synonyms: incline, bias

4. Archaic. to dispose of beforehand, as in a will, legacy, or the like.

verb (used without object)

, pre·dis·posed, pre·dis·pos·ing.

1. to give or furnish a tendency or inclination:

   an underground job that predisposes to lung infection.

predispose

/ ˌpriːdɪˈspəʊz /

verb

1. often foll byto or towards to incline or make (someone) susceptible to something beforehand
2. law to dispose of (property, etc) beforehand; bequeath

Derived Forms

• ˌpredisˈposal, noun

Other Words From

• pre·dis·pos·al noun
• un·pre·dis·pos·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of predispose¹

First recorded in 1640–50; pre- + dispose

Example Sentences

“But unfortunately, when it makes that change in cell type, there are genetic changes that predispose a patient to cancer.”

From Los Angeles Times

Those that are too long predispose to cancer, and those that are too short lose their protective ability, resulting in telomere disorders with serious health consequences.

From Science Daily

The authors of the new study, who include Borghammer, argue that inhalation of certain pesticides, common dry cleaning chemicals, and air pollution predispose to a brain-first model of the disease.

From Science Daily

The effort, Gershman explained, is "baseless" because it's "too broad" and "involves speculation and irresponsible insinuation" that the judge's relationship with his daughter would predispose him to rule based on that relationship.

From Salon

It was a pretty standard effort to identify people whose views might predispose them against their client’s contentions.

From Salon

Related Words

• dispose
• incline