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Definition of predetermine - 3 dictionary results

pre⋅de⋅ter⋅mine

  [pree-di-tur-min]
Use predetermine in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), -mined, -min⋅ing.
1. to settle or decide in advance: He had predetermined his answer to the offer.
2. to ordain in advance; predestine: She believed that God had predetermined her sorrow.
3. to direct or impel; influence strongly: His sympathy for the poor predetermined his choice of a career.
Origin:
1615–25; pre- + determine

Related forms:
pre⋅de⋅ter⋅mi⋅na⋅tion, noun
pre⋅de⋅ter⋅mi⋅na⋅tive  [pree-di-tur-muh-ney-tiv, -nuh-tiv] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To predetermine
pre·de·ter·mine   (prē'dĭ-tûr'mĭn)   
v.   pre·de·ter·mined, pre·de·ter·min·ing, pre·de·ter·mines

v.   tr.

  1. To determine, decide, or establish in advance: "These factors predetermine to a large extent the outcome" (Jessica Mitford).

  2. To influence or sway toward an action or opinion; predispose.

v.   intr.
To determine or decide something in advance.
pre'de·ter'mi·nate (-mə-nĭt) adj., pre'de·ter'mi·na'tion n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

predetermine 
1625, originally theological, from L.L. prædeterminare (Augustine), from præ + determinare (see determine).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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