Predecease: meaning, definitions and examples
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predecease
[ ˌpriː.dɪˈsiːs ]
death timing
To predecease means to die before someone else, particularly in relation to an heir or relative. It commonly arises in legal contexts concerning inheritance and can affect the distribution of an estate.
Synonyms
die before, pass away first, precede in death
Examples of usage
- The old patriarch predeceased his children, leaving the estate to them.
- Sadly, she predeceased her husband by several years.
- He predeceased his younger siblings, impacting the family inheritance.
- Many people have a worry about who might predecease whom in their family.
Etymology
The term 'predecease' stems from the combination of the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'decease,' which comes from the Latin word 'decedere,' meaning 'to withdraw' or 'to die.' The usage of 'decease' in the context of death dates back to the Middle Ages, deriving from the Old French 'deces.' The construction of 'predecease' began emerging in English legal language around the 17th century, as the laws regarding inheritance became more structured, making clear the implications of dying before someone in relation to estate distribution. This term is particularly significant in legal and estate planning contexts, where the order of death can profoundly impact the transfer of wealth and property.