What does prearrangement mean?
A prearrangement is an agreement, plan, or set of arrangements made before something happens. The term often implies that people, terms, access, or appearances have been settled in advance, allowing the subsequent event to proceed smoothly or without the need for immediate negotiation. It is especially common in formal contexts such as law, diplomacy, theatre, and historical narrative. For example, a visitor might gain admission “by prearrangement,” while officials might complete an exchange of prisoners “through prearrangement.” The word is more formal than “advance arrangement” and can carry the implication that what initially appears natural or spontaneous was carefully organized beforehand. Its related verb, “prearrange,” describes making such arrangements in advance.
nounAn arrangement made in advance of an event or agreement. It refers especially to prior planning or the prior settlement of terms.
- An arrangement, agreement, or plan made in advance of an event or proceeding.
"The two sides met for the final under prearrangement."
"They entered through prearrangement rather than the public entrance."
"The exchange of prisoners was completed by prearrangement."
The plural is used especially when referring to several practical arrangements made in advance; in some contexts, “by prearrangement” is more idiomatic than “by prearrangements.”
"They made prearrangements for the delegation's arrival."
A prearrangement turns a spontaneous encounter into something planned long before the curtain rises.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prearrangement come from?
Prearrangement was formed in the 19th century from the prefix pre-, meaning “before,” and the noun “arrangement.” Both elements belong to the same wider family as “arrange” and “rearrange.” The compound reflects the ordinary sense of planning or agreeing to something before the relevant event takes place.
Related word forms
How prearrangement is actually used
The word is formal and especially common in legal, diplomatic, theatrical, and historical contexts. It may suggest that an event appears spontaneous but has in fact been carefully planned.
Easily confused with prearrangement
A prearrangement is made before an event or meeting, whereas an arrangement can be made at any time and may simply mean an organized plan or agreement.