Preclude Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚫

Add to dictionary

preclude

[prɪˈkluːd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in legal context

Preclude means to prevent something from happening or make it impossible. It is often used in legal contexts to describe a situation where something is legally blocked or made impossible.

Synonyms

hinder, impede, obstruct, prevent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preclude	Formal situations where you need to express that something makes another thing impossible. The high cost precludes the possibility of buying a new house His criminal record precludes him from getting a job in law enforcement
prevent	General use to describe stopping something from happening. Wearing a seatbelt can prevent injuries They are taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus
hinder	General use in everyday language to describe something that slows down or makes progress difficult. Heavy traffic can hinder your commute to work His lack of experience hindered his performance
obstruct	Situations where something physically blocks the way or metaphorically stands in the way of progress. A fallen tree obstructed the road The opposition party tried to obstruct the new legislation
impede	Formal or semi-formal contexts, used to indicate something that slows down a process or makes it difficult. The new regulations might impede the progress of the project Bad weather can impede rescue efforts

Examples of usage

The new evidence may preclude a retrial in this case.
His criminal record precluded him from getting a job in law enforcement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In legal terms, preclusion can refer to a doctrine preventing a person from asserting a claim or right that contradicts prior judgments.
There are two types of preclusion: claim preclusion (res judicata) and issue preclusion (collateral estoppel).
It helps to ensure that disputes are resolved efficiently by preventing repeated litigation.

Literature

In literature, authors often preclude certain events or outcomes to maintain suspense, creating tension in storytelling.
Foreshadowing can act as a literary device that precludes certain developments, hinting at future events.
In Shakespearean plays, characters often take actions that preclude a set of possible outcomes, highlighting the tragic flaws.

Science

Certain biological processes can preclude the survival of species, shaping the evolution of ecosystems.
In chemistry, the reaction of substances can be precluded if the necessary conditions, like temperature and pressure, are not met.
Medical interventions sometimes preclude complications from diseases, emphasizing preventive health measures.

Philosophy

Philosophers discuss preclusion in the context of determinism, questioning whether certain outcomes can be avoided.
The idea of precluding options is important in ethics, especially when considering moral dilemmas.
Existentialist discussions often tackle how individual choices preclude other life paths, influencing one's identity and existence.

Origin of 'preclude'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'praecludere,' which means to shut off or exclude.
It combines 'prae,' meaning before, and 'claudere,' meaning to close.
The term has been used in English since the 15th century, maintaining its original meaning of preventing.

The word "preclude" originated from the Latin word "praecludere", which means "to shut off". It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, it has come to be widely used in legal and formal contexts to express the idea of preventing or making something impossible.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,169 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7166 grading
7167 criticized
7168 demonstrating
7169 preclude
7170 differentiated
7171 anatomy
7172 earthly
...