'predetermine' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praedeterminare,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'determinare' meant 'to set bounds or limits.'

'praedeterminare' transformed into the French word 'prédéterminer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'predetermine' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to set limits in advance,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'decided or established in advance.'