[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./
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