predestination

[ pri-des-tuh-ney-shuh n, pree-des- ]
/ prɪˌdɛs təˈneɪ ʃən, ˌpri dɛs- /

noun

an act of predestinating or predestining.
the state of being predestinated or predestined.
fate; destiny.
Theology.
  1. the action of God in foreordaining from eternity whatever comes to pass.
  2. the decree of God by which certain souls are foreordained to salvation.Compare election(def 4), double predestination.

Origin of predestination

1300–50; Middle English predestinacioun < Late Latin praedestinātiōn- (stem of praedestinātiō). See predestinate, -ion

Example sentences from the Web for predestination

British Dictionary definitions for predestination

predestination
/ (priːˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃən) /

noun

theol
  1. the act of God foreordaining every event from eternity
  2. the doctrine or belief, esp associated with Calvin, that the final salvation of some of mankind is foreordained from eternity by God
the act of predestining or the state of being predestined

Cultural definitions for predestination

predestination

In theology, the doctrine that all events have been willed by God. John Calvin interpreted predestination to mean that God willed eternal damnation for some people and salvation (see also salvation) for others.