1. (

• preclude ,
• rule_out ,
• close_out

) make impossible, especially beforehand ;

2. (

• rule_out ,
• rule_in

) include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules ;

3. (

• rule_out ,
• eliminate ,
• winnow_out ,
• reject ,

) dismiss from consideration or a contest; "John was ruled out as a possible suspect because he had a strong alibi"; "This possibility can be eliminated from our consideration" ;