preclude

/prəˈklud/

/prəˈklud/

Other forms: precluded; precludes; precluding

To preclude something is to prevent it from happening. A muzzle precludes a dog from biting.

This is a very formal word, but it has a simple meaning: when something is precluded, it can't happen. See the prefix pre in preclude and in prevent? It is signaling that these words are all about things done before another action would happen — to make it impossible. Staying away from water precludes the possibility of drowning, though it also precludes any chance of having fun swimming.

Definitions of preclude

1. verb

   make impossible, especially beforehand
   synonyms: close out, rule out

   type of:

   eliminate, obviate, rid of

   do away with
2. verb

   keep from happening or arising; make impossible
   “Your role in the projects precludes your involvement in the competitive project”

   synonyms: forbid, foreclose, forestall, preempt, prevent

   types:

   make unnecessary, save

   make unnecessary an expenditure or effort

   avert, avoid, debar, deflect, fend off, forefend, forfend, head off, obviate, stave off, ward off

   prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

   block, blockade, embarrass, hinder, obstruct, stymie, stymy

   hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of

   baffle, bilk, confound, cross, foil, frustrate, queer, scotch, scuttle, spoil, thwart

   hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of

   block, halt, kibosh, stop

   stop from happening or developing

   stonewall

   obstruct or hinder any discussion

   disappoint, let down

   fail to meet the hopes or expectations of

   embargo

   prevent commerce

   filibuster

   obstruct deliberately by delaying

   check

   block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey

   hang

   prevent from reaching a verdict, of a jury

   bottleneck

   slow down or impede by creating an obstruction

   dash

   destroy or break

   short-circuit

   hamper the progress of; impede

   ruin

   destroy or cause to fail

   stay

   stop a judicial process