Preclude
The last train leaves before your meeting ends. That timetable does more than make the journey inconvenient: it closes off the possibility of taking that train.
Learn This WordMeaning
To prevent something from happening or make it impossible; to rule out an option or possibility.
Memory trick
Picture a door shut before you can enter. The Latin parts mean "before" and "shut": to preclude an option is to close it off.
Examples
A prior commitment precluded her from attending the interview.
The small sample does not preclude further research, but it limits the conclusions we can draw.
The contract precludes either party from sharing confidential information.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin praecludere "to shut off, close in front," formed from prae- "before" + claudere "to shut."
Usage Notes
A formal verb used with an outcome, action, or possibility: "preclude a settlement" or "preclude someone from doing something." In GMAT arguments, check the force of the claim: preclude is stronger than make less likely.
Real-life contexts
Explain a limitation: "Our budget precludes buying new equipment this month."
Keep an option open: "That result does not preclude another explanation."
Discuss a rule: "The agreement precludes us from publishing the figures."
Common Mistakes
Preclude does not mean merely discourage, postpone, or precede. Use "preclude someone from attending," not "preclude someone to attend." Something that precludes an event rules it out rather than simply reducing its likelihood.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
advanced