First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
exclude
verb ex·clude \iks-ˈklüd\
: to prevent (someone) from doing something or being a part of a group
: to leave out (something) : to not include (something)
: to think that (something, such as a possibility) is not worth attention
ex·clud·edex·clud·ing
Full Definition of EXCLUDE
transitive verb
1
a : to prevent or restrict the entrance of b : to bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion
2
: to expel or bar especially from a place or position previously occupied
— ex·clud·er noun
See exclude defined for English-language learners
See exclude defined for kids
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Origin of EXCLUDE
Middle English, from Latin excludere, from ex- + claudere to close — more at close
Related to EXCLUDE
EXCLUDE Defined for Kids
exclude
verb ex·clude \ik-ˈsklüd\
ex·clud·edex·clud·ing
Definition of EXCLUDE for Kids
: to shut out : keep out <Don't exclude your little sister from the game.>
Word Root of EXCLUDE
The Latin word claudere, meaning “to close” or “to shut,” gives us the root clud. To exclude is to shut another out of a group. To include is to shut someone into a group. To conclude, or bring something, such as a speech, to an end, is to close it.
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Next Word in the Dictionary: exclusiblePrevious Word in the Dictionary: excludableAll Words Near: exclude
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