The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Preclude \Pre*clude"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Precluded; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Precluding.] [L. praecludere, praeclusum; prae
   before + claudere to shut. See Close, v.]
   1. To put a barrier before; hence, to shut out; to hinder; to
      stop; to impede.
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            The valves preclude the blood from entering the
            veins.                                --E. Darwin.
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   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.
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            This much will obviate and preclude the objections.
                                                  --Bentley.
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