predispose

[pree-di-spohz]

verb (used with object)

predisposed, predisposing 

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)

predisposed, predisposing 

1. to give or furnish a tendency or inclination.

   an underground job that predisposes to lung infection.

predispose

/ ˌpriːdɪˈspəʊz /

verb

1. to incline or make (someone) susceptible to something beforehand

2. law to dispose of (property, etc) beforehand; bequeath

Other Word Forms

• predisposal noun
• unpredisposing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of predispose¹

First recorded in 1640–50; pre- + dispose

Example Sentences

"The whole team undertakes a standardized warm-up that addresses a number of physical concerns that predispose our female athletes to ACLs," she said.

Read more on BBC

But Lindhome is, by her own admission, naturally predisposed to find the positive in everything.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

What's more, With Love, Meghan was never going to change opinions of those who are already, for whatever reason, predisposed against her - just as her new podcast series is unlikely to.

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Their goal was to pinpoint what biological conditions might predispose some people to the problem.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And to be fair, that’s not a bad courtroom strategy against an opponent who is almost pathologically predisposed to putting his foot in his mouth.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• dispose 
• incline