Precluding: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'praecludere', which means 'to shut off beforehand'.
• In its original form, it combined 'prae' (before) and 'claudere' (to shut or close).
• It has been used in English since the 14th century.

Legal Terminology

• In law, 'precluding' can refer to barring a party from introducing evidence or arguments in court.
• The concept is often discussed in relation to statutes of limitations that preclude legal action after a certain time frame.
• Judges may preclude witness testimonies if they are deemed irrelevant or prejudicial.

Philosophy

• Philosophically, preclusion may relate to concepts of free will and determinism, suggesting that certain outcomes are prevented by prior events.
• The idea has been explored in discussions about moral responsibility and decision-making.
• Existentialists consider how our choices preclude other possible futures.

Science

• In ecology, certain species may preclude others from thriving in the same environment, influencing biodiversity.
• In medicine, preclusion can relate to factors that prevent disease development, like vaccination.
• Research on cognitive biases shows how prior beliefs can preclude the acceptance of new information.

With rank #18,837, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

• ...
• 18834 unsightly
• 18835 privation
• 18836 ligation
• 18837 precluding
• 18838 imprudent
• 18839 sighting
• 18840 spotless
• ...