Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make impossible, especially in advance; to prevent something from happening: "Preclude" means to prevent an event or action from occurring, often by taking prior measures or because existing conditions make it impossible.
   • To exclude or rule out a possibility: It can also mean to eliminate a particular option or course of action from consideration.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • His prior commitment precludes his attendance at the meeting. (His existing obligation makes it impossible for him to attend.)
  • The design of the system precludes any chance of user error. (The system's design prevents user error from happening.)
  • A lack of funding precluded further research on the project. (The absence of funds made additional research impossible.)

Advanced Usage

• "to preclude someone from doing something": This structure explicitly states what is being prevented.
  • The non-disclosure agreement precludes her from discussing the case. (The legal agreement prevents her from talking about the case.)
• Used in formal, legal, or academic contexts to describe a definitive barrier or prevention.

Variants and Related Words

• Preclusion (noun): The act of precluding or the state of being precluded.
  • The preclusion of future litigation was a key goal of the settlement.
• Preclusive (adjective): Having the quality of precluding.
  • The evidence was preclusive; it left no other possible conclusion.

Synonyms

• Prevent: To stop something from happening.
• Rule out: To eliminate as a possibility.
• Forestall: To prevent by acting ahead of time.
• Prohibit: To formally forbid by authority, making it impossible.
• Forbid: To command against, preventing an action.

Antonyms

• Allow: To permit or make possible.
• Enable: To make able or possible.
• Facilitate: To make easier or help happen.

Related Phrases and Usage Notes

• While "preclude" is a verb, it is often followed by a noun or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb) as its object.
  • The lock precludes entry. (noun)
  • The rules preclude cheating. (gerund)
• It implies a stronger, more absolute sense of prevention than words like "hinder" or "impede," which suggest making something difficult but not impossible.

Verb

1. make impossible, especially beforehand
2. keep from happening or arising; make impossible
   • My sense of tact forbids an honest answer
   • Your role in the projects precludes your involvement in the competitive project