When something "precludes" an action, it often:

The term "preclude" means to make something impossible or to prevent it from happening. When an action is precluded, it indicates that there are barriers or obstacles that stop it from occurring. In this context, the word directly implies a sense of prevention, which aligns perfectly with the choice that states it prevents the action. The other options suggest positive support for the action, which contradicts the inherent meaning of "preclude." Hence, prevention is the accurate interpretation of the word in this scenario.