prohibit

pro·hib·it

transitive verb \prō-ˈhi-bət, prə-\

Definition of PROHIBIT

1

: to forbid by authority : enjoin

2

a : to prevent from doing something

b : preclude

Examples of PROHIBIT

1. The rules prohibit dating a coworker.
2. The prison's electric fence prohibits escape.

Origin of PROHIBIT

Middle English, from Latin prohibitus, past participle of prohibēre to keep off, from pro- forward + habēre to hold — more at pro-, give

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PROHIBIT

Synonyms

ban, bar, enjoin, interdict, outlaw, forbid, 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

Rhymes with PROHIBIT

exhibit, inhibit