Preclude: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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