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"
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
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
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