RULE OUT

{v.} 1. To say that (something) must not be done; not allow; also: decide against. * /The principal ruled out dances on school nights./ * /The play was ruled out by the referee./ * /Jean probably will not go to college, but she has not ruled that out./ 2. To show that (someone or something) is not a possibility; make it unnecessary to think about; remove (a chance). * /We have to find a baby-sitter for tonight; Betsy has a date, so that rules her out./ * /The doctor took X rays to rule out the chance of broken bones./ 3. To make impossible; prevent. * /Father's death seems to rule out college for Jean./ * /Betsy's date for the dance ruled out any baby-sitting that evening./