elect

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
elect /ɪˈlɛkt/

▶verb

• 1 choose (someone) to hold a position, especially public office, by voting.

• 2 opt for or choose to do something.

• 3 Christian Theology (of God) choose (someone) in preference to others for salvation.

▶adjective

• 1 chosen or singled out.

  ■ Christian Theology chosen by God for salvation.

• 2 [postpos.] elected to a position but not yet in office: the President Elect.

– derivatives
electability noun,
electable adjective.

– origin ME: from L. elect-, eligere ‘pick out’.