Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Designate \Des"ig*nate\, a. [L. designatus, p. p. of designare.
   See {Design}, v. t.]
   Designated; appointed; chosen. [R.] --Sir G. Buck.

Designate \Des"ig*nate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Designated}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Designating}.]
   1. To mark out and make known; to point out; to name; to
      indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description;
      to specify; as, to designate the boundaries of a country;
      to designate the rioters who are to be arrested.

   2. To call by a distinctive title; to name.

   3. To indicate or set apart for a purpose or duty; -- with to
      or for; to designate an officer for or to the command of a
      post or station.

   Syn: To name; denominate; style; entitle; characterize;
        describe.

Source : WordNet®

designate
     adj : appointed but not yet installed in office [syn: {designate(ip)}]

designate
     v 1: assign a name or title to [syn: {denominate}]
     2: give an assignment to (a person) to a post, or assign a task
        to (a person) [syn: {delegate}, {depute}, {assign}]
     3: decree or designate beforehand; "She was destined to become
        a great pianist" [syn: {destine}, {fate}, {doom}]
     4: design or destine; "She was intended to become the director"
        [syn: {intend}, {destine}, {specify}]