Preclude
Fine print that voids warranties, prerequisites that block enrollment, and injuries that end seasons all do this: shut the door before the question is asked.
Learn This WordMeaning
To prevent something from happening or make it impossible, in advance.
Memory trick
PRECLUDE = PRE-CLOSED: the door was closed before you even arrived.
Examples
The injury precluded any chance of competing this season.
Budget cuts preclude hiring until next quarter.
His schedule precludes attending both sessions, so choose one.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin praecludere "to shut off, close," from prae- "before" + claudere "to close." To close the door beforehand.
Usage Notes
Stronger than prevent: preclude means the possibility is shut off ahead of time, a nuance GMAT sentence correction loves to test.
Real-life contexts
Use in planning: "That deadline precludes a full redesign."
Use in logic: "One counterexample precludes a universal claim."
Use in negotiation: "This clause precludes future disputes."
Common Mistakes
Preclude takes a direct object (preclude success), not an infinitive. Say “precludes attending,” not “precludes to attend.”
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Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
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