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

That means this group is predisposed to fear change even more than the average person.

From Vox

There’s also no clear link to underlying conditions that might predispose someone to develop long covid.

From MIT Technology Review

People who are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia might be more likely to suffer these side-effects, experts point out.

From Popular-Science

While there’s still a lot researchers don’t know, some believe, based on case-reports, that people who are predisposed to mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, are more at risk.

From Popular-Science

Scientists used to believe women were predisposed to identifying their children’s cries, while men exhibited worse traits of recognition.

From Ozy

These are significant changes that will simultaneously predispose them to a more conservative view of the world.

From The Daily Beast

The expectation that a gun was involved appeared to predispose the cops toward deadly force.

From The Daily Beast

Why does maternal hip width predispose to cancer in babies born to that mother?

From The Daily Beast

The use of alcohol is believed by many physicians to predispose a person to tuberculosis.

From Project Gutenberg

The same causes also predispose plants as well as animals, to epidemic attacks of disease.

From Project Gutenberg

But her experience of Montrose and Meath did not predispose her towards the provincial atmosphere.

From Project Gutenberg

As a matter of fact, he will have so disturbed himself as to predispose to insomnia.

From Project Gutenberg

It is evident that certain conditions predispose to headache.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dispose
• incline