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.

---

preclude British  

/ 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

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

Explanation

To preclude something is to prevent it from happening. A muzzle precludes a dog from biting. This is a very formal word, but it has a simple meaning: when something is precluded, it can't happen. See the prefix pre in preclude and in prevent? It is signaling that these words are all about things done before another action would happen — to make it impossible. Staying away from water precludes the possibility of drowning, though it also precludes any chance of having fun swimming.

Example Sentences

Along with all the other abuses uncovered during the Watergate era, new rules governing the FBI were put in place to preclude such abuses from happening again.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2026

Experts noted that the agreement does not preclude companies from using fossil fuels to meet growing energy demand.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

A market that keeps chugging ahead doesn’t preclude plenty of volatility under the surface, and it might not stay there.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

He’d gone through a repentance process so he could cleanse himself of the behavior that would preclude him from going on a mission.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Related Words

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