What does the term "preclude" mean?

The term "preclude" means to prevent something from happening or to make it impossible. It originates from the Latin word "praecludere," which combines "prae" (before) and "claudere" (to close). Therefore, when something precludes another, it effectively closes off the possibility of that other thing occurring.

In the context of the provided choices, the correct answer emphasizes this meaning by stating that to preclude something is to make it impossible. This aligns well with how the term is used in various contexts, indicating an action that obstructs or hinders a particular outcome or event from taking place.