Synonyms of interdict

interdict 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-tər-ˌdikt 

as in prohibition

an order that something not be done or used

the church's controversial interdict against the use of birth control devices

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prohibition
• ban
• injunction
• interdiction
• embargo
• veto
• warning
• proscription
• edict
• restriction
• objection
• refusal
• protest
• suppression
• prevention
• deterrent
• repression
• taboo
• limitation
• inhibition
• discouragement
• decree
• mandate
• restraint
• denial
• constraint
• commandment
• no-no
• negation
• rejection
• disallowance
• caveat
• dictate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prescription
• sanction
• allowing
• permitting
• permission
• consent
• granting
• tolerance
• authorization
• approval
• license
• support
• clearance
• letting
• licensing
• allowance
• leave
• enabling
• toleration
• promotion
• endorsement
• blessing
• encouragement
• sufferance
• compliance
• agreement
• sanctioning
• submission
• obedience
• approbation
• facilitation
• acquiescence
• assent
• imprimatur
• accession
• OK

interdict

2 of 2

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈdikt 

1

as in to prohibit

to order not to do or use or to be done or used

the state legislature moved to interdict the use of radar-detection devices by motorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prohibit
• forbid
• ban
• outlaw
• prevent
• discourage
• enjoin
• halt
• stop
• proscribe
• exclude
• bar
• deter
• restrain
• preclude
• quash
• curb
• dissuade
• suppress
• embargo
• subdue
• repress
• impede
• silence
• hinder
• quell
• deprive
• veto
• reject
• block
• rule out
• inhibit
• shut out
• obstruct
• disallow
• squelch
• repudiate
• debar
• crack down (on)
• check
• put down
• crush
• clamp down (on)
• rein (in)
• squash
• bridle
• snuff (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permit
• allow
• let
• suffer
• approve
• authorize
• endorse
• warrant
• support
• sanction
• promote
• encourage
• forward
• order
• advance
• license
• cultivate
• further
• bid
• command
• tolerate
• endure
• abet
• abide
• nurture
• nourish
• bear
• countenance
• brook

2

as in to intercept

to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course

federal agents are able to interdict only a small percentage of the narcotic shipments into the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intercept
• grab
• block
• capture
• catch
• seize
• snatch
• trap
• pick off
• snare
• corral
• collar

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

Recent Examples of interdict

Noun

King John opposed his choice, prompting Innocent to excommunicate the king and place England under interdict, meaning the English could not participate in church sacraments. — Joëlle Rollo-Koster, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026

Environmental and community groups in South Africa's Eastern Cape province won an urgent interdict to stop the surveys in December last year and are now asking the court to permanently halt the operations. — Mogomotsi Magome, ajc, 2 June 2022

Verb

The Coast Guard also interdicted Motor Tanker Sophia in international waters near the Caribbean. — Max Rego, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2026

The United States has gone beyond traditional sanctions to physically interdict Venezuelan oil shipments, asserting control not just over finance, but also over the movement of energy itself. — Meghan O'Sullivan, Time, 4 Apr. 2026