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

To make something impossible or rule it out in advance.

"His criminal record precludes him from holding public office."

"The tight schedule precludes any last-minute changes."

How to use preclude

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo block something from happening or being possible, usually because of an existing rule, fact, or condition.

Easily confused with

exclude →

Common pairings

preclude the possibility does not preclude preclude any chance of

Word forms

precluded past tense, precludes singular

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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\").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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prevent forbid foreclose rule out forestall close out

Related words

allow choose prevent ban cancel oppose exclude forbid

Rhymes for preclude

nude rude dude Jude crude prude exude elude Maude Laude delude Claude

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.

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