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

Pilots from states without diplomatic relations with Israel, such as Oman, are in theory prohibited from landing in Israel. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 10 Oct. 2026

Specifically, the law prohibits municipal governments from requiring businesses to set specific wages, benefits or working conditions under contract, and bars them from forcing businesses to join task forces formed to address those issues. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026

But LaSala said in an email to The Star that the language of the sports authority law also appears to include provisions that could prohibit Watson from serving on the board. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026

Proposition 41 would make any new taxes subject to the state’s existing spending limit, while Proposition 42 would prohibit taxes on financial assets and personal property other than real estate. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Oct. 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