rule out

/rul aʊt/
/rul aʊt/
IPA guide

Other forms: ruled out; rules out

Definitions of rule out
  1. verb
    include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules
    synonyms: rule in
    see moresee less
    type of:
    decree, rule
    decide with authority
  2. verb
    dismiss from consideration or a contest
    “John was ruled out as a possible suspect because he had a strong alibi”
    synonyms: eliminate, reject, winnow out
  3. verb
    make impossible, especially beforehand
    synonyms: close out, preclude
    see moresee less
    type of:
    eliminate, obviate, rid of
    do away with
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