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
There are no restraining orders, injunctions or interdicts anywhere. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024 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
So far this fiscal year, since October 2024, the Coast Guard has tracked 277 vessels clandestinely entering U.S. waters from Mexico in the San Diego area, some of the boats being interdicted and others getting away, Read said. Terry Collins, USA Today, 5 May 2025 Although such warships occasionally help interdict drugs in international waters, the use of naval assets for domestic border control is very unusual. Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interdict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interdict
Noun
  • The plaintiffs separately argued that the regulation includes a prohibition not expressly contemplated in section 1313(v) — that is, the general prohibition of a substitution drawback for excise taxes paid on imports where the substituted exports were exempt from excise tax.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The prohibition excludes drones operated by DHS, police, firefighters and commercial operators who obtain an airspace waiver.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Both bills prohibit yield-bearing consumer stablecoins — but differ on agency regulatory oversight.
    MacKenzie Sigalos,Talia Kaplan,Jordan Smith, CNBC, 24 June 2025
  • The law prohibits predatory financial activities and requires lenders to obtain a license.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Another 11 were intercepted over Doha without causing damage and one landed in an uninhabited area of the base causing minimal damage.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
  • The Ukrainian air force said that 359 incoming drones were either intercepted or electronically jammed.
    Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Deportations in South Florida were central to the discussion, with issues like revoking Temporary Protected Status, instating travel bans and targeting immigrants who have not committed crimes roiling Hispanic communities.
    Siena Duncan, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025
  • The second time this year was to prioritise his international commitments, which has potentially earned him a two-year IPL ban.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Humans have been forbidden to travel to the island of Ile Saint Hubert, where many of the remaining dinos continue to live.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025
  • Sweeping fiscal moves of this kind are traditionally restricted by the Byrd Rule, adopted in 1985, which limits the sort of policies that can be folded into bills passed through reconciliation, and forbids legislation from adding to the nation's deficit beyond 10 years.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • In theory, this outlawed the Communist Party of the United States and banned communists from serving in certain roles.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Texas' new law bans people from purchasing tickets on behalf of another person or selling tickets to another person, effectively outlawing couriers.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interdict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interdict. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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