interdict

¹in·ter·dict

noun \ˈin-tər-ˌdikt\

Definition of INTERDICT

1

: a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical censure withdrawing most sacraments and Christian burial from a person or district

2

: a prohibitory decree

Examples of INTERDICT

1. <the church's controversial interdict against the use of birth control devices>

Origin of INTERDICT

Middle English, alteration of entredite, from Anglo-French, from Latin interdictum prohibition, from neuter of interdictus, past participle of interdicere to interpose, forbid, from inter- + dicere to say — more at diction

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INTERDICT

Synonyms

ban, embargo, prohibition, interdiction, proscription, veto

Antonyms

prescription

Related Words

no-no, taboo (also tabu); constraint, inhibition, limitation, restraint, restriction; deterrent, discouragement; repression, suppression; prevention; denial, disallowance, negation, refusal, rejection; objection, protest; caveat, warning; no-no; commandment, decree, dictate, edict, injunction, mandate

Near Antonyms

sufferance, tolerance, toleration; allowance, allowing, authorization, clearance, consent, granting, leave, letting, license (or licence), licensing (also licencing), permission, permitting, sanction, sanctioning; approbation, approval, blessing, endorsement (also indorsement), imprimatur, OK (or okay); enabling, encouragement, facilitation, promotion, support; compliance, obedience, submission; accession, acquiescence, agreement, assent

Rhymes with INTERDICT

benedict, contradict, derelict, Lake District, maledict, retrodict, Scotch verdict

²in·ter·dict

transitive verb \ˌin-tər-ˈdikt\

Definition of INTERDICT

1

: to lay under or prohibit by an interdict

2

: to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner

3

a : to destroy, damage, or cut off (as an enemy line of supply) by firepower to stop or hamper an enemy

b : intercept 2a <interdict drug shipments>

— in·ter·dic·tion \-ˈdik-shən\ noun

— in·ter·dic·tive \-ˈdik-tiv\ adjective

— in·ter·dic·tor \-tər\ noun

— in·ter·dic·to·ry \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

Examples of INTERDICT

1. <the state legislature moved to interdict the use of radar-detection devices by motorists>
2. <federal agents are able to interdict only a small percentage of the narcotic shipments into the country>

First Known Use of INTERDICT

15th century

Related to INTERDICT

Synonyms

ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe

Antonyms

allow, let, permit, suffer

Related Words

deter, discourage, dissuade; clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress; halt, preclude, prevent, stop; embargo, exclude, rule out, shut out; debar, deprive, disallow, reject, repudiate, veto; bridle, check, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain; block, hinder, impede, obstruct

Near Antonyms

approve, endorse (also indorse), sanction; authorize, license (also licence), warrant; abet, advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, nourish, nurture, promote, support; bid, command, order; abide, bear, brook, countenance, endure, tolerate

See Synonym Discussion at forbid

in·ter·dict

noun \ˈint-ər-ˌdikt\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of INTERDICT

civil law : one who has been determined to be incompetent to care for his or her own person or affairs (as by reason of mental incapacity)