prohibit

verb

pro·​hib·​it prō-ˈhi-bət 

prə-

prohibited; prohibiting; prohibits

transitive verb

1

: to forbid by authority : enjoin

2

a

: to prevent from doing something

b

: preclude

Synonyms of prohibit

• forbid
• ban
• outlaw

Choose the Right Synonym for prohibit

forbid, prohibit, interdict, inhibit mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done.

forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

Examples of prohibit in a Sentence

The rules prohibit dating a coworker.

The prison's electric fence prohibits escape.

Recent Examples on the Web

Six Flags said food and other loose items are prohibited on rides because these items can create safety hazards. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

The University of Chicago’s social-science faculty have prohibited most technology and banned the use of AI tools from their core classes. — Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026

Five years later, Hollander filed a class-action lawsuit against the Selective Service System drafting database for discriminating against women by prohibiting them from entering the draft. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

There’s a new rule this year that will not prohibit him from playing the first half of the Missouri game. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prohibit

• exhibit
• inhibit
• gibbet
• thibet

Kids Definition

prohibit

verb

pro·​hib·​it prō-ˈhib-ət 

1

: to forbid by authority

prohibit parking

2

: to make impossible

the high walls prohibit escape