'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 before,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to decide in advance.'