verb

predispose

pree-dih-SPOHZ/ˌpriːdɪˈspəʊz/

To make someone more likely to act in a certain way or be affected by something.

Rich soil can predispose seedlings to vigorous growth rather than weakness.

Several identical seedlings, those planted in rich soil grow vigorously and those in poor soil grow weakly, showing conditions make growth more likely.

Etymology

French predisposer is one possible source; the verb may instead have been formed from predisposition. In either case, the central idea is an inclination or susceptibility already present before something happens.

In context

Skilled Physicians Group I Skilled Wound Care0:33

they most normally occur in patients who have already had medical problems and risk factors that predispose them for the development of these wounds

Pressure Injury Wounds vs Pressure Ulcer Discussion

More examples

Her early successes predispose her to expect good results.
His upbringing predisposed him to trust authority.
People with certain genes are predisposed to this condition.

Forms

predispose · predisposes · predisposed · predisposing

predisposition noun — An existing tendency or susceptibility to something.

Similar words

incline: Suggests a tendency or preference, not necessarily physical susceptibility.
bias: Emphasizes influencing someone's judgment rather than creating general susceptibility.