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

• ban
• bar
• enjoin
• forbid
• interdict
• outlaw
• proscribe

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

Photo : Mercedes-Benz When the Germans were prohibited from building military vehicles after losing World War I, Wilhelm Maybach decided to get back into the automobile business. —Brett Berk, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2024

Notably, these payments from the schools to the athletes were still considered NIL payments, and pay-for-play was still prohibited. —Joe Sabin, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024

Related Articles New Santa Cruz law would prohibit unsanctioned government homeless drop-offs Editorial: Prop. 36’s smart response to crime, addiction, homelessness Can AI help solve homelessness? —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2024

This bill allows the federal government to prohibit discriminatory state-level action against minoritized groups, regardless of the intentions of such action. —Trans Formations Project, Them, 6 Sep. 2024

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

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