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

Other Word Forms

• preordination noun
• unpreordained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preordain¹

First recorded in 1525–35; pre- + ordain

Example Sentences

Daddis believes that “a twisted relation with faith and fear, if left unbroken, can only preordain the nation to a militarized way of life bounded by the grimness of war.”

From Salon

That Los Angeles would someday overtake San Francisco in prominence was in some respects preordained.

From Los Angeles Times

Though Cruise loves making movies, he doesn’t enjoy being their preordained salvation.

From Salon

But the company’s choice of the dire wolf as its first announced successful “de-extinction” seems almost preordained.

From Los Angeles Times

Elsewhere in the grand expanse of Lucas’ universe, the right moves are rarely preordained.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• foretell 
• predetermine