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

Having kids doesn’t preclude workforce participation, and plenty of liberals are still putting a priority on parenthood.

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One habit that precluded improvement was their reading of trivial romantic novels.

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“These standards would also preclude the use of proven technologies that fuel global shipping fleets, including lower emissions options where U.S. industry leads, such as LNG.”

Read more on Barron's

“These standards would also preclude the use of proven technologies that fuel global shipping fleets, including lower emissions options where U.S. industry leads, such as LNG.”

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Even though the government did not clarify whether Vidovic had served his time, it said a criminal sentence precluded him from holding public office.

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Related Words

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