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

Israel prohibits many construction materials from entering Gaza, so the structure was created by welding sheets of metal together and painting them white. —Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026

According to the district attorney’s office, children ages 11 to 14 accounted for nearly 62% of e-motorcycle crashes statewide despite California law prohibiting riders under 16 from operating e-motorcycles. —Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 14 May 2026

Officers said Hawkins was prohibited from owning a gun and was known to police for his long arrest record. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 14 May 2026

Shadé’s Law, passed in 2019, now prohibits people convicted of certain violent crimes from buying or possessing such weapons. —Allen G. Breed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 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