preclude

[ pri-klood ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·clud·ed, pre·clud·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• preclusion, noun
• preclusive, adjective
• preˈcludable, adjective
• preˈclusively, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·clud·a·ble adjective
• pre·clu·sion [pri-, kloo, -zh, uh, n], noun
• pre·clu·sive [pri-, kloo, -siv], adjective
• pre·clu·sive·ly adverb
• un·pre·clud·a·ble adjective
• un·pre·clu·sive adjective
• un·pre·clu·sive·ly 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

But his lawyers are signaling that his victory will preclude any federal or state-level sentencing against him, at least until he presumably leaves office again in January 2029.

From Salon

Israel’s bombardment has uprooted 1 of every 5 people in Lebanon, emptying out much of Lebanon’s Shiite heartlands and destroying infrastructure — according to Lebanese leaders, U.N. officials and experts — that preclude residents’ timely return.

From Los Angeles Times

That does not preclude North Korea’s military taking part in Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, but they are most recognised by experts for their engineering and construction abilities, not for fighting.

From BBC

That hasn’t precluded him from being a pass catcher, either.

From Los Angeles Times

McVay said he did not anticipate that the issue would preclude Stafford, 36, from fully participating in practice when the Rams return next week.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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