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

Pramod Kondapelli received a cease and desist order for operating a short-term rental at 130 Washington Avenue, which is prohibited within an R-1 residential zoning district. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

Night diving is prohibited in Monroe County during the mini season, which is considered to be one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2026

Attendees noticed the tighter security, including the restrictions prohibiting bringing drinks from the outside bar into the ballroom, and the more serious tone of the evening from the start. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026

The city was the first in the Bay Area to prohibit accepting, processing, or approving any land-use applications for data centers. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 24 July 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