rule out

To decide that something is not possible or should not be considered.

• We cannot rule out a mistake.
• The tests ruled out an infection.
• Police have ruled her out as a suspect.

How to use it: rule someone/something out as something (Police ruled him out as a suspect.); rule out doing something (We have ruled out buying a larger house.)

Similar words: exclude, eliminate, discount

Common phrases: rule out a possibility, rule out a suspect

To prevent something from being possible.

• Heavy rain ruled out a picnic.
• The cost rules out any chance of buying it.
• Her injury has ruled out competing this season.

How to use it: rule out doing something (His injury ruled out playing in the final.)

Similar words: prevent, preclude

Opposites: enable

Common phrases: rule out any chance, rule out a trip

To make someone or something unavailable for a particular use or activity.

• An injury ruled out our goalkeeper.
• Repairs have ruled out the hall for this event.
• He was ruled out of the final with a broken ankle.

How to use it: rule someone out of something (An injury ruled her out of the match.); be ruled out for something (The hall was ruled out for our meeting because of repairs.)

Common phrases: rule out a player, rule out a venue

To decide officially that something is not allowed.

• The committee ruled out outside help.
• The judge ruled out questions about her family.
• Competition rules rule out the use of engines.

Similar words: forbid, disallow, prohibit

Opposites: allow, permit

Common phrases: rule out a method, rule out such practices

To draw a straight line through written words or an item on a list.

• Rule out the wrong answer.
• He ruled out the last entry with a ruler.
• The old address had been ruled out in red ink.

How to use it: rule something out (She ruled the wrong name out with a pencil.)

Similar words: cross out, strike out

Common phrases: rule out a word, rule out an entry