Word of the Day - 09/13/26
preclude
/prɪ'klud/(v.): keep from happening or arising; make impossible
Her prior engagement will preclude her from attending the conference next week.
Word Origin
The word 'preclude' originates from Latin. It is formed from the prefix 'prae-' meaning 'before' or 'in front of', and the verb 'claudere' meaning 'to shut' or 'to close'. Thus, 'preclude' literally means 'to shut off beforehand' or 'to close in advance'. It came into English through Old French 'preclure'.
Words with similar origins that share the Latin root 'claudere' (to shut) include 'include' (from 'in-' meaning 'in' + 'claudere'), 'exclude' (from 'ex-' meaning 'out' + 'claudere'), 'conclude' (from 'con-' meaning 'together' + 'claudere'), and 'seclude' (from 'se-' meaning 'apart' + 'claudere').
As a reminder, here are all of the words from this week:
intransigent limpid demagogue
preclude
See if you can remember all of this week's words! Here is a sentence that includes all seven, followed by a version that simplifies them to help you remember:
The intransigent demagogue, known for his scrupulous attention to detail in manipulating crowds, tried to blandish his way out of the morass of public opinion, but his past actions precluded any limpid explanation for his current predicament.The stubborn manipulative leader, known for his careful attention to detail in manipulating crowds, tried to sweet-talk his way out of the difficult situation of public opinion, but his past actions prevented any clear explanation for his current predicament.