Definitions

1. verb

to determine beforehand what is to happen to someone or something, often in a way that is thought to be predetermined by a higher power

“The company’s fate was preordained when the government announced its plans to nationalize the industry.”

2. verb (archaic or poetic)

to decide beforehand what is to be done with something or someone, often with a sense of inevitability or fate

“Their love was preordained by the stars, or so the astrologers claimed.”

3. noun

the act of determining beforehand what is to happen to someone or something

“The preordainment of the company’s fate was a surprise to no one.”