Preclude
/prɪˈkluːd/noun
To prevent something from happening or make it impossible.
Did you know?Preclude belongs to the same Latin word family as close, closet, clause, cloister, and recluse—all connected to the ancient idea of shutting or enclosing.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
claudere
“To shut, close, or enclose”
Classical Latin
Latin
prae-
“Before, in advance, or ahead of”
Classical Latin
Latin
praecludere
“To shut off beforehand; to bar or prevent”
16th Century
English
preclude
“To prevent or make impossible”
Modern English
English
preclude
“To prevent an event or possibility from occurring”