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.

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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

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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

Those that are too long predispose to cancer, and those that are too short lose their protective ability, resulting in telomere disorders with serious health consequences.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 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