tr.v., -tined, -tin·ing, -tines.
- To fix upon, decide, or decree in advance; foreordain.
- Theology. To foreordain or elect by divine will or decree.
[Middle English predestinen, from Old French predestiner, from Late Latin praedēstināre : Latin prae-, pre- + Latin dēstināre, to determine; see destiny.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
