destine

verb

des·​tine ˈde-stən 

destined; destining

transitive verb

1

: to decree beforehand : predetermine

was not destined to attain the throne

2

a

: to designate, assign, or dedicate in advance

believed their son was destined for the priesthood

destined to succeed

a flaw that destines them to fail

b

: to direct, devise, or set apart for a specific purpose or place

freight destined for European ports

Synonyms

• doom
• ordain
• fate

Examples of destine in a Sentence

his extreme height seemed to destine him for a career in basketball

Recent Examples on the Web

Those few critics speculate constantly that the company will fail to meet its obligations and is destined for collapse. —Joel Bines, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025

Here’s what the entire cast told Entertainment Weekly about why they were destined to become the Sole Survivor. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025

But the namesake version attributed to Lib Wilhelm remains the benchmark for a beloved local specialty that’s destined to become a beloved classic across the South. —Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025

Leatherwood's potential for success feels destined, inspired by the same spirits that shape his voice and performing style, fitting seamlessly into a five-decade lineage of country music history. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for destine

• clandestine
• intestine
• progestin

Kids Definition

destine

verb

des·​tine ˈdes-tən 

destined; destining

1

: to settle in advance

a plan destined to fail

2

: to choose, assign, or dedicate in advance

destined their child for the study of law

3

: to be bound or directed

a ship destined for New York