preclude

[pri-klood]

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.

preclude

/ prɪˈkluːd, prɪˈkluːʒən, prɪˈkluːsɪv /

verb

1. to exclude or debar

2. to make impossible, esp beforehand

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of preclude¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of preclude¹

C17: from Latin praeclūdere to shut up, from prae in front, before + claudere to close

Example Sentences

The considerable time differences between the participating countries will likely preclude the kind of shared viewing experience you get with Eurovision.

From BBC

It did not preclude him, he wrote, from issuing fresh orders.

From BBC

That would preclude an honest rendering of the Christian nationalist foundations of the Klan and its vision of a white Protestant America.

From Salon

Ultimately, prosecutors decided the reported threats made by Abelar and the fact that he was in possession of a gun precluded them from charging the deputy.

From Los Angeles Times

Negotiations would also not preclude a potential lawsuit, they said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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