What does preclude mean?
Preclude is a formal verb meaning to prevent something from happening or to make it impossible. It is commonly used in discussions of evidence, plans, opportunities, risks, and eligibility, as in “the findings do not preclude a later appeal” or “the rules precluded her from entering.” The word can refer either to an outcome being ruled out, as in “preclude the possibility of error,” or to a person being barred from an activity, as in “preclude someone from applying.” Its tone is generally formal and precise rather than conversational. Preclude is related etymologically to exclude, because both descend from Latin roots involving closing or shutting out. It is useful when the intended meaning is not simply that something was not done, but that it was rendered impossible.
verbTo make something impossible or to prevent it from happening or being considered. It is often used with a gerund or with a person followed by “from” and a gerund.
- To prevent an event, action, or possibility from occurring.
- To rule out something as a possibility or make someone ineligible for something.
"The evidence does not preclude the possibility of an innocent mistake."
"The heavy rain precluded the possibility of an outdoor picnic."
"Her experience with the language did not preclude her from joining the discussion."
From the Latin praecludere, “preclude” literally means “close in advance” — a fitting origin for a word that closes the door before an event can occur.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preclude come from?
The word comes from Latin praecludere, formed from prae- (“before”) and claudere (“to close”), meaning “to close beforehand.” English borrowed it in the early 17th century in the sense of preventing or rendering impossible. The related word exclude developed from Latin excludere, “shut out,” while preclusion and preclusive are English derivatives of the same Latin verb.
Related word forms
How preclude is actually used
Preclude is formal and is especially common in professional, legal, and academic contexts. It often appears with “the possibility of” or with “from” followed by a gerund.
Easily confused with preclude
Preclude means to prevent or rule out an outcome, whereas preclude and preclusion are sometimes confused with the unrelated word “prelude,” which is a short introductory performance or passage.
Preclude focuses on making an outcome or action impossible, while exclude more often means to leave someone or something out of a group, scope, or activity.