Which word means to prevent from happening; make impossible?

• A. Preclude
• B. Ausocious
• C. Congealed
• D. In Absentia

Answer: (A)

Preclude captures the idea of making something impossible or preventing it from happening. It’s used when something is blocked in advance, often by an action or rule that eliminates the possibility. For example, a legal agreement can preclude any further claims, or a dangerous condition can preclude a planned outdoor event. That precise sense of eliminating the possibility is why it’s the best fit here.

Congealed describes a physical change—becoming solid or thickened—so it doesn’t convey prevention. In absentia means being away or not present, typically used to describe actions taken without someone present, not about stopping something from occurring. Ausocious isn’t a standard English word, so it doesn’t convey the meaning of preventing either.