prohibition
noun
pro·hi·bi·tion
ˌprō-ə-ˈbi-shən 
also
ˌprō-hə-
1
: the act of prohibiting by authority
2
: an order to restrain or stop
3
often capitalized
: the forbidding by law of the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic liquors except for medicinal and sacramental purposes
Examples of prohibition in a Sentence
the city's prohibition of smoking in restaurants
a prohibition against parking on the street
Recent Examples on the Web
The investigations determined that Cook had violated the 2017 prohibition against relationships with co-workers.
—
IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025
Despite legalization in dozens of states and widespread public support, cannabis brands remain locked out of most major advertising channels due to federal prohibition.
—Cynthia Salarizadeh, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
In addition, the NCAA on Monday clarified that, regardless of college athletes and coaches betting on pro sports, NCAA championships will continue with prohibitions on advertising and sponsorships associated with sports betting.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Such prohibitions can take many forms and can happen in different contexts.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prohibition
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IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025
Despite legalization in dozens of states and widespread public support, cannabis brands remain locked out of most major advertising channels due to federal prohibition.
—Cynthia Salarizadeh, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
In addition, the NCAA on Monday clarified that, regardless of college athletes and coaches betting on pro sports, NCAA championships will continue with prohibitions on advertising and sponsorships associated with sports betting.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Such prohibitions can take many forms and can happen in different contexts.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prohibition
Cite this Entry
“Prohibition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prohibition. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prohibition
noun
pro·hi·bi·tion
ˌprō-ə-ˈbish-ən
1
: the act of prohibiting
2
: an order forbidding something
3
often capitalized
: the forbidding by law of the sale and manufacture of alcoholic beverages
Legal Definition
prohibition
noun
pro·hi·bi·tion
ˌprō-ə-ˈbi-shən
1
a
: an extraordinary writ issued by a higher court commanding an inferior court to keep within its proper jurisdiction (as by ceasing a prosecution)
b
: an order to refrain or stop
2
a
: something (as a law) that prohibits a certain act or procedure
b
capitalized
: the period from 1920 to 1933 in the U.S. when the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic liquors was prohibited by the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
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