Words / C1

pri-KLOOD/prɪˈkluːd/

To preclude is to make something impossible or prevent it from happening: preclude a valid sitting, a gap that precludes cover. Prevent (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a caption will not save an unnamed spare.

Meaning

To make something impossible or prevent it from happening (from prevent, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A missing named spare will preclude a valid sitting; a caption will not save it.”
• “Prevent is already in this course. Rule out is the close twin. A caption is comms. A name on the log is cover. Write the name; then keep the caption if the sitting still stands.”

Good to know

Rule out; make impossible. Everyday: prevent (already in the dictionary). A caption ≠ cover.

Near in meaning

prevent, rule out, forestall

New