Preclude
To prevent something from happening; to make something impossible.
verbPreclude
To prevent something from happening; to make something impossible.
verbImagine This
Sherlock Holmes says, 'It is impossible to solve this murder case before any clues are discovered.'
Sounds Like
PRI-KLOOD
Looks Like
pre- + clue (visual cue: resembles other -lude words like include, exclude, conclude; evokes the idea of 'before closing')
Remember This
Pre → a prefix meaning before. Precede → to go before in time, place, or importance. Premonition → a warning in advance.
Other Forms
Connect With
prevent, hinder, foreclose, thwart, obviate, exclude
Note
Preclude is formal and often used in legal or analytical writing. It typically takes the form 'preclude someone from doing something' or 'preclude the possibility.' It does not mean merely to discourage; it means to make something impossible.