predestine

[ pri-des-tin ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·des·tined, pre·des·tin·ing.

1. to destine in advance; foreordain; predetermine:

   He seemed predestined for the ministry.

predestine

/ priːˈdɛstɪn /

verb

1. to foreordain; determine beforehand
2. theol (of God) to decree from eternity (any event, esp the final salvation of individuals)

Derived Forms

• preˈdestinable, adjective

Other Words From

• pre·des·ti·na·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of predestine¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English predestinen, from Latin praedestināre; pre-, destine

Word History and Origins

Origin of predestine¹

C14: from Latin praedestināre to resolve beforehand, from destināre to determine, destine

Example Sentences

In Yoruba culture, which predominates in the south-west of the country, twins are a blessing and their names are predestined.

From BBC

Still, there is no convincing some siblings who insist their birth order has predestined their role in the family.

From New York Times

Washington’s starting linebackers, after all, were not predestined for this position.

From Seattle Times

"I genuinely believe there's something predestined about it," Michael recalled.

From Salon

Casting Cage, our grandest of ghouls, as Dracula is so predestined that it almost risks being too on the nose.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• foreordain