rule out Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb make impossible, especially beforehand
    close out; preclude.
  2. verb include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules
    rule in.
  3. verb dismiss from consideration or a contest
    winnow out; reject; eliminate.
    • John was ruled out as a possible suspect because he had a strong alibi
    • This possibility can be eliminated from our consideration

WordNet