interdict

verb

in·​ter·​dict ˌin-tər-ˈdikt 

interdicted; interdicting; interdicts

transitive verb

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 (something, such as an enemy line of supply) by firepower to stop or hamper an enemy

b

: intercept sense 1a

interdict drug shipments

interdiction

ˌin-tər-ˈdik-shən 

noun

interdictive

ˌin-tər-ˈdik-tiv 

adjective

interdictor

ˌin-tər-ˈdik-tər 

noun

interdictory

ˌin-tər-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē 

adjective

Did you know?

Interdict and interdiction are used for very serious prohibitions—more serious than, say, a professor telling the class that texting is forbidden during lectures. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, an interdict was a sentence imposed by the powerful Catholic Church forbidding a person or place, and sometimes even an entire country, from receiving church privileges or participating in church functions. Interdict now often means "cut off" in a physically forceful way as well; interdictions are usually targeted at either arms supplies or illegal drug shipments.

Synonyms of interdict

• prohibit
• forbid
• ban
• outlaw

Choose the Right Synonym for interdict

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 interdict in a Sentence

the state legislature moved to interdict the use of radar-detection devices by motorists

federal agents are able to interdict only a small percentage of the narcotic shipments into the country

Recent Examples on the Web

By using drones to interdict supply lines from a distance, Ukrainian forces can impose the effects of a siege without physically encircling a city, redefining how an opponent can be isolated in modern warfare. —Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

Their job was to board the trains going from Germany to Austria at random to interdict drugs, illicit money, and criminals. —Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026

On April 17, CBP’s San Diego Marine Unit crews interdicted a 24-foot boat near San Clemente Island. —Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

Both of the vessels were interdicted in the Indo-Pacific Command's area of responsibility, which includes the Indian Ocean, according to the Pentagon. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interdict

• contradict
• derelict
• addict
• afflict
• constrict
• delict
• depict
• evict
• handpicked
• inflict
• predict
• relict

Kids Definition

interdict

1 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​dict ˈint-ər-ˌdikt 

1

: a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical withdrawal of sacraments and Christian burial from a person or district

2

: prohibition sense 2

interdict

2 of 2 verb

in·​ter·​dict ˌint-ər-ˈdikt 

: to prohibit or forbid especially by an interdict

interdiction

-ˈdik-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

interdict

noun

in·​ter·​dict ˈint-ər-ˌdikt 

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)

Legal Definition

interdict

1 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​dict ˈin-tər-ˌdikt 

1

: something that prohibits

2

: one that has been interdicted compare ward

interdict

2 of 2 transitive verb

in·​ter·​dict ˌin-tər-ˈdikt 

1

in the civil law of Louisiana : to deprive (a person) of the right to care for one's own person or affairs because of mental incapacity compare commit, curator, tutor

2

: to authoritatively prohibit or bar (an act or conduct)

3

: to intercept or cut off (as a drug shipment) by force