ordain

1 of 1verb

/ɔrˈdeɪn/

Forms:ordains,ordaining,ordained,ordained

to officially order something using one's higher authority

C2transitive

The religious leader ordained a day of fasting and prayer for the community.
The university president ordained a new policy requiring students to attend mandatory seminars.
The council ordained the construction of a new bridge to improve transportation in the city.
The government ordains strict security measures following the recent terrorist threat.
The king will ordain a special ceremony to honor outstanding citizens for their contributions.

Synonyms:

to officially confer or appoint someone to a position, typically within a religious context such as the priesthood

transitive

The bishop ordains new priests during the annual ceremony at the cathedral.
Last year, the church ordained several candidates who had completed their theological studies.
Currently, the seminary is ordaining a group of deacons to serve in various parishes.
While I was attending the ordination ceremony, the bishop was ordaining the candidates with solemn prayers and rituals.
Next month, the church will ordain a new batch of ministers to meet the growing needs of the congregation.

Synonyms:

(of a higher power) to prearrange or predestine something

transitive

It is believed that fate had ordained their meeting, as if their paths were destined to cross.
She felt as though it was ordained by a higher power that she would find the lost artifact.
Despite their efforts to change the course of events, it seemed that destiny had already ordained their fate.
Through prayer and meditation, she sought to understand the divine will that ordained the unfolding of events.