Definition

To decide that someone or something will have a bad outcome before it happens.

Example

The prophecy seemed to foredoom the kingdom to failure.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I feel like some people just foredoom themselves to failure without even trying.

That’s true! They get so scared of what might happen.

Exactly, it's like they are already convinced they will fail before they even start.

It’s sad because you never know what you might achieve if you give it a chance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Foredoom → It is formed from "fore-" (meaning before) and "doom" (from Old English "dom", meaning judgment or fate). The word "foredoom" means to judge or determine the fate of something before it happens.

Memory Tip

Think of 'before' ('fore-') and 'judgment' ('doom') to remember that 'foredoom' means to decide someone's fate ahead of time.

Visually Confused Words