Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-CLUDE', v.t. [L. præcludo; præ, before, and cludo, claudo, to shut.]

1. To prevent from entering by previously shutting the passage, or by any previous measures; hence, to hinder from access, possession or enjoyment. Sin, by its very nature, precludes the sinner from heaven; it precludes the enjoyment of God's favor; or it precludes the favor of God. The valves preclude the blood from entering the veins. – Darwin.
2. To prevent from happening or taking place.