interdict 1 of 2

interdict

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb interdict differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of interdict are forbid, inhibit, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than interdict?

While in some cases nearly identical to interdict, forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use inhibit instead of interdict?

Although the words inhibit and interdict have much in common, 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

In what contexts can prohibit take the place of interdict?

In some situations, the words prohibit and interdict are roughly equivalent. However, prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of interdict
Noun
Military officials say the combined strike group not only interdicts traffickers at sea but also provides the capacity to land Marines ashore, if ordered. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025 There are no restraining orders, injunctions or interdicts anywhere. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024
Verb
Here are key elements concerning immigration: Border wall $46.5 billion toward fortifying the U.S.-Mexico border wall and interdicting migrant smugglers at sea. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025 Last Monday, a crew aboard a Coast Guard boat that is part of the Maritime Safety and Security Team in Los Angeles/Long Beach interdicted five people aboard a 20-foot pleasure craft, approximately 4 miles southwest of Point Loma. Philip Diehl, Mercury News, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for interdict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interdict
Noun
  • Even after that prohibition was lifted on Tuesday, and the resignations of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, the unrest escalated.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
  • During a June meeting, the board of trustees unanimously agreed to revise the policy and remove the prohibition on overnight protesting and other expressive activities.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Declawing is already prohibited in multiple California cities, according to Lee’s office, including in West Hollywood, and the bill expands the ban statewide.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Butera’s neutrality proposal, if approved by shareholders, would have prohibited Tesla leadership from making political statements, endorsements, or contributions in support or opposition to political parties or candidates.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ahkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams intercepts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
    Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Polish and Dutch jets intercepted the drones, with assistance from Italian, German and NATO’s multinational forces, officials said.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Critics and rights groups argued that both the ban and the bill function as tools for censorship, threatening freedom of expression, press freedom and fundamental rights.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • That includes supporting a ban on semiautomatic automatic weapons and high capacity magazines.
    Mark Vancleave, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Students see the subject itself as inherently forbidding because of its abstract nature.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The court forbade companies from classifying workers as independent contractors except in narrow circumstances.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • No court has outlawed private-sector diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    Essence, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Last year, in response to some political parodies that used images created by artificial intelligence, including one that pilloried Vice President Kamala Harris, the Legislature passed and Newsom signed two measures to outlaw such tomfoolery.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Interdict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interdict. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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