predetermination

noun

pre·​de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌprē-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce predetermination (audio)
1
: the act of predetermining : the state of being predetermined: such as
a
: the ordaining of events beforehand
b
: a fixing or settling in advance
2
: a purpose formed beforehand

Examples of predetermination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The presiding judge granted Sweeney's attorney's request to change the charge to second-degree murder or manslaughter as the court lacked sufficient evidence to try him for first-degree murder since predetermination was not established. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024 From there we’re introduced to the Time Variance Authority where Loki is taken for messing with predetermination—a strict timeline set up by the powerful and mysterious Time Keepers—and introduced to Agent Mobius (Owen Wilson). Erik Kain, Forbes, 8 June 2021 Both seasons of The Umbrella Academy raise questions about the nature of time travel (as presented in the series) and the tension between choice and predetermination. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Aug. 2020 There is comfort in subsuming your sense of individuality to a larger sentiment of prescription and predetermination. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2019 Yet the movie has a mythic thrust that’s partly due to its almost playful manipulation of time, its silent flash-forwards lending the story a feeling of futility and predetermination. Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predetermination was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near predetermination

Cite this Entry

“Predetermination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predetermination. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on predetermination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!