preclude

verb pre·clude \ pri-ˈklüd \

Updated on: 10 Dec 2017

Definition of preclude

precluded; precluding

transitive verb

1 archaic : close

2 : to make impossible by necessary consequence : rule out in advance

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preclusion

play \pri-ˈklü-zhən\ noun

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preclusive

play \pri-ˈklü-siv, -ziv\ adjective

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preclusively

adverb

See preclude defined for English-language learners

See preclude defined for kids

Examples of preclude in a Sentence

I fear these things, but vaguely, for my brain buzzes in the merciful wash of endorphins that preclude any thought from occupying it too long. —Louise Erdrich, Harper's, May 1993
… the institution [of slavery] in the United States was almost uniquely despotic, a closed system so powerful and totalitarian that organized insurrection was almost entirely precluded … —William Styron, American Heritage, October 1992
But conceptual blinders can preclude observation, while most accurate generalities guarantee no proper resolution of specific anatomies, but can certainly guide perceptions along fruitful paths. —Stephen Jay Gould, Wonderful Life, 1989
… the same profusion of water that precluded overland travel in the summer months could, during the sledgehammer freeze of winter, be utilized as a natural highway—albeit a highway of ice. —Jon Krakauer, Smithsonian, November 1987
She suffered an injury that precluded the possibility of an athletic career.
Bad weather precluded any further attempts to reach the summit.

Recent Examples of preclude from the Web

While American regulations preclude the import of most contemporary foreign-market vehicles, any car that is more than 25 years old can be brought over with impunity.

— brett berk, Bloomberg.com, "Toyota’s New Century Is Japan’s Challenge to Rolls-Royce, Bentley," 26 Oct. 2017
There have been unconverted breakaways and other missed opportunities that have precluded the team from topping the standings throughout this stretch.

— matt calkins, The Seattle Times, "Do Sounders have depth to overcome loss of Jordan Morris?," 13 Sep. 2017
This time, the company says it’s only building 24 Venom F5s, which would seem to preclude a record claim no matter how fast the car goes.

— alexander stoklosa, Car and Driver, "Hennessey Venom F5 Aims for 300 MPH and 1600 HP," 3 Nov. 2017
Perhaps Ryu's injury on Friday will preclude the Dodgers from having to make any decision at all.

— connor grossman, SI.com, "Dodgers' Hyun-Jin Ryu Leaves Start After Getting Hit by Line Drive," 24 Sep. 2017
Beyond father and son dabbling in it, the skill remained tucked in that pocket all through Washington High, where James was good enough to play receiver and kick and punt — thus precluding any long-snapping.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity, "Forgiveness and faith buoy Chiefs’ James Winchester through murder of his father," 22 Sep. 2017
Who knows, but the reality is that all my healthy lifestyle practices did not preclude my risk of colon cancer 100 percent.

— bryant stamford, The Courier-Journal, "A routine colonoscopy may have saved this writer's life," 14 Sep. 2017
Could those conditions preclude the team from playing that night?

— adam h. beasley, miamiherald, "Decision on Dolphins-Buccaneers game nears as Irma swells to Cat 5," 5 Sep. 2017
The Permanent Fund has become an obstacle that precludes practical, reasonable discussion on creating a sustainable budget.

— Alaska Dispatch News, "Readers write: Letters to the editor, June 29, 2017," 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preclude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

preclude Uses Within and Outside Law

Preclude is often used in legal writing, where it usually refers to making something legally impossible. A new law may be passed by Congress to preclude any suits of a certain kind against a federal agency, for example. Some judges have found that the warnings on cigarette packs preclude any suits against the tobacco companies by lung-cancer sufferers. But there are plenty of nonlegal uses as well. Bad weather often precludes trips to the beach, and a lack of cash might preclude any beach vacation at all.

Origin and Etymology of preclude

Latin praecludere, from prae- + claudere to close — more at close

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1513

See Words from the same year

preclude Synonyms

Synonyms

avert, forestall, head off, help, obviate, prevent, stave off

Related Words

anticipate, provide; negate, neutralize, nullify; save; baffle, balk, checkmate, deter, foil, frustrate, thwart; bar, block, hamper, hinder, impede, interfere (with), retard, stall; deflect, fend (off), stop, ward (off); avoid, circumvent, dodge, duck, elude, escape, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun; forbid, inhibit, prohibit; arrest, check, halt, stop; compensate (for), counteract, counterbalance, make up (for), offset

Near Antonyms

abet, aid, assist; ease, facilitate, smooth, unclog; advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote; allow, leave, let, permit

Other Logic Terms

a posteriori, connotation, corollary, inference, mutually exclusive, paradox, postulate, syllogism

PRECLUDE Defined for English Language Learners

preclude

verb

Definition of preclude for English Language Learners

: to make (something) impossible : to prevent (something) from happening
: to prevent (someone) from doing something

Law Dictionary

preclude

transitive verb pre·clude \ pri-ˈklüd \

legal Definition of preclude

precluded; precluding

: to prevent or exclude by necessary consequence: as

a : to prevent (a party) from litigating an action or claim especially by collateral estoppel or res judicata

they are precluded only because they failed to assert…the grounds for recovery they now assert
—Roach v. Teamsters Local Union No. 688, 595 F.2d 446 (1979)

b : to prevent (a claim or action) from being litigated especially by collateral estoppel or res judicata

the Civil Service Reform Act provides the exclusive address for adverse federal employment actions and thus precludes claims brought under the Tort Claims Act
—National Law Journal

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