Library / English Dictionary

RULE OUT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Dismiss from consideration or a contest

Example:

This possibility can be eliminated from our consideration

Synonyms:

eliminate; reject; rule out; winnow out

Classified under:

Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Sense 2

Meaning:

Include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules

Synonyms:

rule in; rule out

Classified under:

Verbs of fighting, athletic activities

Hypernyms (to "rule out" is one way to...):

decree; rule (decide with authority)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Sense 3

Meaning:

Make impossible, especially beforehand

Synonyms:

close out; preclude; rule out

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Hypernyms (to "rule out" is one way to...):

eliminate; obviate; rid of (do away with)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

Credits