ordain

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verb

Definition of ORDAIN

1

to determine the fate of in advance <he is stoic in the face of adversity, bolstered by his faith that everything in life has been ordained by a higher power>

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

Related Words predestinate; augur, forecast, foretell, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy; preconceive, prejudge; condemn, sentence; bode, forebode (also forbode), portend; anticipate, divine, foreknow, foresee

2

to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority <a new bill that would ordain the funding of public schools through state lottery revenues>

Synonyms call, decree, dictate, direct, mandate, ordain, order

Related Words ask, petition, request; demand, require

Near Antonyms cancel, countermand, rescind

3

to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action <the founders of the African republic ordained a form of government that was closely modeled on that of the United States>

Synonyms constitute, lay down, legislate, make, ordain, pass

Related Words reenact, repass; bring about, effect; allow, authorize, permit, sanction; decree, dictate, proclaim; administer, execute; approve, confirm, ratify

Near Antonyms abolish, abrogate, annul, cancel, invalidate, kill, nullify; overturn, reverse, void

Antonyms repeal, rescind, revoke