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

• precludable adjective
• preclusion noun
• preclusive 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

Lee will likely try to "reassure Beijing that South Korea's alignment with the United States does not preclude pragmatic economic engagement with China," Seong-Hyon Lee, a scholar at the Harvard University Asia Center.

Read more on Barron's

His principled defense of free speech shouldn’t preclude him from excluding the cranks and carnies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If successful, the resolution would preclude the agency from pursuing a similar rule, unless explicitly authorized by Congress.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Constitution generally precludes military forces from serving in police roles in the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“What they want to do is get people up and running to start building the bank, rather than precluding people at the front end,” Portilla said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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