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

• 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

Coolers are prohibited unless medically required. —Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Oct. 2025

The Republican bill did crack down on that practice but California − which has put new restrictions and payments on its Medi-Cal plan for undocumented immigrants − maintains that effort is paid for out of state funds, not federal money (because it's prohibited). —Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025

Smoking of all kinds, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025

For one, all THC-like intoxicating compounds and synthetic or lab-made cannabinoids would be prohibited. —Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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