predisposition
pre|dis|po|si|tion /pr'iːdɪspəz'ɪʃən/ (predispositions)
1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp, oft N to-inf, N to/towards n/-ing
If you have a predisposition to behave in a particular way, you tend to behave like that because of the kind of person that you are or the attitudes that you have. (FORMAL)
There is a thin dividing line between educating the public and creating a predisposition to panic.
2 [N-COUNT] with supp, usu N to/towards n
If you have a predisposition to a disease or illness, it is likely that you will suffer from that disease or illness. (FORMAL)
...a genetic predisposition to lung cancer.
1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp, oft N to-inf, N to/towards n/-ing
If you have a predisposition to behave in a particular way, you tend to behave like that because of the kind of person that you are or the attitudes that you have. (FORMAL)
There is a thin dividing line between educating the public and creating a predisposition to panic.
2 [N-COUNT] with supp, usu N to/towards n
If you have a predisposition to a disease or illness, it is likely that you will suffer from that disease or illness. (FORMAL)
...a genetic predisposition to lung cancer.