predetermine

verb

pre·​de·​ter·​mine ˌprē-di-ˈtər-mən How to pronounce predetermine (audio)
predetermined; predetermining; predetermines

transitive verb

1
b
: to determine beforehand
2
: to impose a direction or tendency on beforehand

Examples of predetermine in a Sentence

The sex of the child is predetermined when the egg is fertilized. religious sects that believe that an individual's salvation has been predetermined by God
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The biggest danger with symbolic, psychological thrillers like this is making characters feel too much like pieces on a chessboard, their moves predetermined. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025 If you’re predetermined to have finer strands, there are ways of inflating and boosting them to encourage the appearance of thickness, which is where styling and cuts come in. Elle Turner, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2025 Researchers in Germany studying the social behaviors of honeybee colonies found that DNA can predetermine certain behaviors. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 Media anchors are also under constraints to stay on certain, typically predetermined topics, limiting their freedom to conduct wide-ranging and thoughtful interviews. Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predetermine 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin praedeterminare, from Latin prae- + determinare to determine

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of predetermine was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near predetermine

Cite this Entry

“Predetermine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predetermine. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

predetermine

verb
pre·​de·​ter·​mine ˌprēd-i-ˈtər-mən How to pronounce predetermine (audio)
1
2
: to decide or settle beforehand
meet at a predetermined place
predetermination
-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on predetermine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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