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

Although the variants increase risk, they do not preordain kidney disease.

From New York Times

Not only does Polachek not want to know what other people think she should be doing, she doesn’t want to preordain it herself.

From The Guardian

Nessel urges that the commission consider affordability in all recommendations and not preordain particular outcomes without the appropriate review and examination by interested parties in cases before the commission.

From Washington Times

“Legacy political strategists will say that the structural impediments of ballot and presidential debate access, the overwhelming advantages of the two parties’ fundraising and voter turnout operations preordain failure.

From Washington Times

But as Strand noted, some state agencies need to approve permits for Enbridge and said more robust opposition from Walz could influence them, even if Walz can’t “preordain” an outcome.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• foretell
• predetermine