preclude

/ˈprɛkluːd/

Definitions

1. verb

to prevent or make it impossible for something to happen or be done

“The rain will preclude our outdoor picnic.”

2. verb

to exclude or rule out something from consideration

“The new evidence will preclude the possibility of an acquittal.”

3. noun

something that prevents or makes it impossible for something to happen or be done

“The lack of funding was a major preclude to the project’s success.”

Synonyms

  • bar
  • forestall
  • prevent

Antonyms

  • allow
  • enable