bans; banned; banning
1
: to forbid people from using (something) : to say that something cannot be used or done
The school banned that book for many years.
The city has banned smoking in all public buildings.
The drug was banned a decade ago.
The use of cell phones is banned in the restaurant.
2
: to forbid (someone) from doing or being part of something
—usually + from
They banned [=barred] him from entering the building. = He was banned from entering the building.
She was banned from the team because of drug use.
plural bans
: an official rule saying that people are not allowed to use or do something
The city has imposed a smoking ban in all public buildings.
—often + onShe challenged the ban on smoking.
They lifted the ban on the drug.
Cite this Entry
“Ban.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ban. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
