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

The president seemed to be heading toward political exile, his election claims destined to be inscribed in history as treasonous lies. —Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026

The first Housemaid film ended with Millie interviewing for her next job, which she’s destined to get, given Nina’s recommendation. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026

The money was destined for Colorado, Minnesota, New York, California and Illiniois. —Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026

Although Malinin was basically raised at the skating rink but didn’t always feel destined for the Olympics. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 6 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