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Definition of ordain

ordain

/ɔːrˈdeɪn/
or · dain
Adjective:ordainable
•
Past Simple:ordained
•
Past Participle:ordained
•
Present Participle:ordaining
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ordain Lexical Profile

ordain Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To invest officially with ministerial, priestly, or rabbinical authority; to confer holy orders upon.

Example

"The bishop will ordain three new deacons at the cathedral this Sunday."

2

To order, decree, or establish officially by virtue of superior authority, law, or destiny.

Example

"The constitutional convention voted to ordain a new system of checks and balances."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for ordain

• Nearby Words

orchis
ord
ord river
ordain
ordainer
ordainment
ordeal

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French ordener, from Latin ordinare ('to put in order, arrange, appoint'), derived from ordo ('row, rank, series, order').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ordain. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ordain
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