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 child was destined for high office

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 of destine

• 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

While unfortunate, this doesn’t mean your amaryllis is destined for the trash can. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 14 Jan. 2026

Venezuela is a major transit hub of cocaine destined primarily for Europe. —Charles Lebaron, Time, 13 Jan. 2026

From classic domestic getaways to sunny Caribbean escapes—and even a European city—the list challenges the assumption that travel costs are destined to rise. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026

New studies show many parents believe their child is destined to be a pro athlete, which can create unrealistic pressure. —Jonathan Carone, Parents, 13 Jan. 2026

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