rule out

listen to the pronunciation of rule out
English - English
To reject an option from a list of possibilities

As John Doe had an alibi, the police were able to rule him out as a suspect.

To cross an item out by drawing a straight line through it, as with a ruler
To make something impossible

The constant rain ruled out any chance of a game of tennis.

to disallow
dismiss from consideration; "John was ruled out as a possible suspect because he had a strong alibi"; "This possibility can be eliminated from our consideration"
{f} deny, remove as a possibility
If something rules out a situation, it prevents it from happening or from being possible. A serious car accident in 1986 ruled out a permanent future for him in farming
include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules
make impossible, especially beforehand
If you rule out a course of action, an idea, or a solution, you decide that it is impossible or unsuitable. The Prime Minister is believed to have ruled out cuts in child benefit or pensions
rule out of
If someone rules you out of a contest or activity, they say that you cannot be involved in it. If something rules you out of a contest or activity, it prevents you from being involved in it. He has ruled himself out of the world championships next year in Stuttgart
rule out the possibility
remove as a possibility, make impossible
rule out
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