Definition of "preclude"

"Now, own the truth,—are you not very sorry that my having been in the opposition precludes your going to the most brilliant fête of the season?"

1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “The Influence of an Invitation”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume III, London: Henry Colburn, […], page 15

A chime whistle, presented to the L.M.S.R. by American model railway enthusiasts in 1939, is installed now as a works hooter at Crewe Works, as its height precludes its use on a British locomotive.

1946 September and October, “Notes and News: Locomotive Whistle Gift”, in Railway Magazine, page 322

This is of unusual importance at Perth, compared with other modern yards, because the restricted scope for layout development precluded provision of a separate track as a head shunt at the southern end of the yard site. When such a facility is required, the main line has to be employed.

1962 October, G. Freeman Allen, “The New Look in Scotland's Northern Division—II”, in Modern Railways, page 271

Israel's decision to ban fluoridation follows a vote to preclude the practice in Portland, Ore., and Wichita, Kan. It was also recently overturned in Hamilton, the fourth most populous city in New Zealand.

2013 August 9, Douglas Main, “Israel Outlaws Water Fluoridation”, in livescience‎, retrieved 2013-09-30

All the overnight trains were composed of Mk 1 vehicles that had vacuum brakes. This precluded the use of new Class 87s, which only had train air braking equipment, [...].

2020 June 17, David Clough, “Then and now: trains through Crewe”, in Rail, page 61