/ˈɪrmɑːrk/
ear·mark
BrE /ˈɪəmɑːk/
NAmE /ˈɪrmɑːrk/
[usually passive]
to decide that sth will be used for a particular purpose, or to state that sth will happen to sb/sth in the future
~ sb/sth (for sb/sth)
The money had been earmarked for spending on new school buildings.
The factory has been earmarked for closure.
~ sb/sth (as sb/sth)
She was earmarked early as a possible champion.
ear·mark
BrE /ˈɪəmɑːk/
NAmE /ˈɪrmɑːrk/
[usually pl.] (NAmE)
a feature or quality that is typical of sb/sth
The incident has all the earmarks of a terrorist attack.