| preclude | 1. To put a barrier before; hence, to shut out; to hinder; to stop; to impede. "The valves preclude the blood from entering the veins." (E. Darwin) 2. To shut out by anticipative action; to prevent or hinder by necessary consequence or implication; to deter action of, access to, employment of, etc.; to render ineffectual; to obviate by anticipation. "This much will obviate and preclude the objections." (Bentley) Origin: L. Praecludere, praeclusum; prae = before + claudere to shut. See Close. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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