destine

verb des·tine \ˈdes-tən\

des·tineddes·tin·ing

Definition of DESTINE

transitive verb

: to decree beforehand : predetermine

a : to designate, assign, or dedicate in advance <the younger son was destined for the priesthood> <a trait that destines them to failure>

b : to direct, devise, or set apart for a specific purpose or place <freight destined for European ports>

See destine defined for kids

Middle English, from Anglo-French destiner, from Latin destinare, from de- + -stinare (akin to Latin stare to stand) — more at stand

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonyms: doom, fate, foredoom, foreordain, ordain, predestine, predetermine, preordain

Next Word in the Dictionary: destinezitePrevious Word in the Dictionary: destinationAll Words Near: destine

What made you want to look up destine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears