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Definition of "preclude" []

  • To make impossible, as by action taken in advance; prevent. See Synonyms at prevent. (verb-transitive)
  • To exclude or prevent (someone) from a given condition or activity: Modesty precludes me from accepting the honor. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "preclude" in a sentence
  • "And yet this device's size, weight and inability to make phone calls preclude it from replacing a smartphone."
  • "That would kind of preclude charging them interest, too … stevie314159 says:"
  • "The bizarre logic behind this idea is that the facts of evolution do not "preclude" the existence of god."