predispose

American  

[pree-di-spohz] / ˌpri dɪˈspoʊz /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of predispose

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.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025

Nothing in her environment would predispose her to cancer, except for being in close proximity to the fires.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2025

The effort, Gershman explained, is "baseless" because it's "too broad" and "involves speculation and irresponsible insinuation" that the judge's relationship with his daughter would predispose him to rule based on that relationship.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2024

Attitudes such as these certainly predispose one to innumeracy.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Related Words

• dispose
• incline