prejudge

American  

[pree-juhj] / priˈdʒʌdʒ /

verb (used with object)

prejudged, prejudging

1. to judge beforehand.

2. to pass judgment on prematurely or without sufficient reflection or investigation.

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prejudge British  

/ priːˈdʒʌdʒ /

verb

1. (tr) to judge beforehand, esp without sufficient evidence

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Other Word Forms

• prejudger noun
• prejudgment noun

Etymology

Origin of prejudge

1555–65; < French préjuger < Latin praejūdicāre. See pre-, judge

Example Sentences

Brussels has said the opening of an in-depth investigation does not prejudge its outcome.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

He told the BBC's Today programme that keeping the yards together was "sensible from an operating perspective" but he can’t prejudge what bidders will want.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024

For the overall effect of the film, it was very important that everyone keep a natural tone and not judge or prejudge their character.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2024

Apparently aware of this, Speaker Johnson has been careful to hedge his bets saying, "We’re not going to prejudge the outcome of this because we can’t because again it’s not a political calculation."

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2023

“You cannot prejudge people in this business,” he said over and over when we met, and each time he used that phrase, his face took on a look of utter conviction.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell