predisposition

/ˌˈpridɪspəˌzɪʃən/

/pridɪspəˈzɪʃən/

Other forms: predispositions

A predisposition is a tendency to do something. If you know you have a predisposition toward getting carsick, better to plan ahead and avoid eating before a long drive. Things could get ugly.

Predisposition comes from the Latin prae meaning "before," and disponere meaning "put in order, arrange, distribute." If you have a predisposition to think or act a certain way, you can anticipate your reaction before it happens. A genetic predisposition means you are likely to inherit a trait from your parents. Someone might have a genetic predisposition to diabetes or to another illness.

Definitions of predisposition

1. noun

   an inclination beforehand to interpret statements in a particular way
   types:

   orientation, predilection, preference

   a predisposition in favor of something

   type of:

   disposition, inclination, tendency

   an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
2. noun

   a disposition in advance to react in a particular way
   type of:

   disposition

   a natural or acquired habit or characteristic tendency in a person or thing
3. noun

   susceptibility to a pathogen
   synonyms: sensitivity

   types:

   habitus

   person's predisposition to be affected by something (as a disease)

   sensitisation, sensitization

   the state of being sensitive (as to an antigen)

   hypersensitivity

   pathological sensitivity

   diathesis

   constitutional predisposition to a particular disease or abnormality

   irritation

   (pathology) abnormal sensitivity to stimulation

   cryaesthesia, cryesthesia

   hypersensitivity to cold

   hypersensitivity reaction

   an inappropriate and excessive reaction to an allergen (as pollen or dust or animal hair or certain foods); severity ranges from mild allergy to severe systemic reactions leading to anaphylactic shock

   intolerance

   inability to properly absorb or digest a drug, food, or other substance

   type of:

   susceptibility, susceptibleness

   the state of being susceptible; easily affected