verb
Uncommon
preclude
prih-KLOOD
Preclude (verb) means to make something impossible or rule it out in advance. Example: “His criminal record precludes him from holding public office.”
verb
1
To make something impossible or rule it out in advance.
"It has been raining for days, but that doesn’t preclude the skies clearing by this afternoon!"
"A chime whistle, presented to the L.M.S.R. by American model railway enthusiasts in 1939, is installed now as a works hooter at Crewe Works, as its height precludes its use on a British locomotive."
— , Notes and News: Locomotive Whistle Gift (1946)
"Israel's decision to ban fluoridation follows a vote to preclude the practice in Portland, Ore., and Wichita, Kan. It was also recently overturned in Hamilton, the fourth most populous city in New Zealand."
— Douglas Main, Israel Outlaws Water Fluoridation (2013)
"His criminal record precludes him from holding public office."
"The tight schedule precludes any last-minute changes."
How to use preclude
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo block something from happening or being possible, usually because of an existing rule, fact, or condition.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
preclude the possibility
does not preclude
preclude any chance of
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- precludes
- Past tense
- precluded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His criminal record _____ him from holding public office.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin praecludere, \"to shut off, close in advance,\" from prae- (\"before\") plus claudere (\"to close\").
Related words
Rhymes for preclude
See all rhymes for preclude →Frequently asked questions
What does “preclude” mean?
The word “preclude” means to make something impossible or rule it out in advance. In plain terms, to block something from happening or being possible, usually because of an existing rule, fact, or condition.
How do you pronounce “preclude”?
“Preclude” is pronounced prih-KLOOD (/pɹɪˈkluːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “preclude” in a sentence?
Here is “preclude” used in a sentence: “His criminal record precludes him from holding public office.”
What part of speech is “preclude”?
“Preclude” is a verb.
Where does the word “preclude” come from?
The word “preclude” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin praecludere, \"to shut off, close in advance,\" from prae- (\"before\") plus claudere (\"to close\").
Is “preclude” a common word?
“Preclude” is an uncommon word in modern English.
