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

The Transport Workers Union has prevailed once again in its destructive effort to get the state Legislature to once again pass a bill outright prohibiting one-person train operation (OPTO) in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s vast subway system. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

An amendment made during Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting would prohibit the city from bonding against future tax increment revenue without the buy-in of either the Fulton County Commission or Atlanta’s school board. —Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 11 June 2026

For more than 35 minutes, three Hialeah residents urged the City Council on Tuesday to revisit an ordinance that prohibits boats from being parked at townhouses, describing the rule as an unfair burden on longtime boat owners. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026

The lawsuit filed by the Public Integrity Project contends that UFC Freedom 250 violates federal regulations that prohibit sporting events on federal park lands. —Los Angeles Times, 11 June 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