Preclude Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpri.kluːd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun or Verb

Definition

A thing that excludes or prevents something else from happening, or to exclude or prevent someone or something from doing something.

Examples

• The storm cloud precluded any further outdoor activities.
• The company’s financial crisis precluded them from investing in new projects.
• The location of the meeting precluded some employees from attending.
• The noise from the construction site precluded any conversation.
• The complexity of the problem precluded a quick solution.

Synonyms

• Prevent
• Block
• Impediment

Antonyms

• Allow
• Facilitate

Etymology

The word “preclude” comes from the Old French “preecluder”, which means “to shut out”.

Usage Notes

Preclude can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the thing that prevents something else from happening. As a verb, it means to exclude or prevent someone or something from doing something.

Cultural References

Preclude has been used in various forms of media, such as literature, music, and film. For example, the phrase “the prelude to war” has been used to describe the events that lead up to a conflict.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

The phrase “preclude an issue” means to prevent a problem or controversy from arising.

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related to preclude include “prevent”, “block”, “impede”, and “exclude”.

Collocations

Common collocations with preclude include “precludes necessary”, “precludes the possibility”, and “precludes any further”.

Frequency of Use

Preclude is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, and is often used in formal or technical contexts.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of preclude include “preclue”, “precludee”, and “precluded”.