Meaning of RULE OUT

WordNet Dictionary
	Definition:		[v]  include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules [v]  dismiss from consideration; "John was ruled out as a possible suspect because he had a strong alibi"; "This possibility can be eliminated from our consideration" [v]  make impossible, esp. beforehand
	Synonyms:		close out, eliminate, preclude, reject, rule in
	See Also:		decree, eliminate, obviate, rid of, rule