preclude

American  

[pri-klood] / prɪˈklud /

verb (used with object)

precluded, precluding

1. to prevent the presence, existence, or occurrence of; make impossible.

   The insufficiency of the evidence precludes a conviction.

   Synonyms:

   eliminate , forestall

2. to exclude or debar from something.

   His contract precludes a raise for him.

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preclude British  

/ prɪˈkluːd, prɪˈkluːʒən, prɪˈkluːsɪv /

verb

1. to exclude or debar

2. to make impossible, esp beforehand

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Other Word Forms

• precludable adjective
• preclusion noun
• preclusive adjective
• preclusively adverb
• unprecludable adjective
• unpreclusive adjective
• unpreclusively adverb

Etymology

Origin of preclude

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin praeclūdere “to shut off, close,” equivalent to prae- pre- + -clūdere, combining form of claudere “to shut, close ”

Compare meaning

How does preclude compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• preclude vs. exclude

Example Sentences

The National Guard troops are barred from carrying out police duties under the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which precludes the military from carrying out domestic law enforcement.

From The Wall Street Journal

But that earlier dispute involved different issues and does not preclude an antitrust action.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Dougal’s naiveté does not preclude a sly sense of humor.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We are dedicated to serving our community with full transparency; however, the law precludes us from doing so while the court order remains in this case.”

From Los Angeles Times

"We are dedicated to serving our community with full transparency; however, the law precludes us from doing so while the court order remains in this case," Dr Ukpo added.

From BBC

Related Words

• avert
• cease
• deter
• exclude
• forestall
• hinder
• impede
• obviate
• prevent
• prohibit
• rule out