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

He said: "The rules don’t preclude me from standing - that would be a decision for the NEC."

From BBC

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

Related Words

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