interdict 1 of 2

interdict

2 of 2

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
As they are moved, say by ship, that radiation could in theory be detected if ships neared certain ports, and other nations might interdict North Korean vessels that are suspected of transporting nuclear weaponry. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for interdict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interdict
Noun
  • The mother of a star high school wide receiver has sued the Ohio High School Athletic Association over a prohibition on high school athletes signing NIL deals, but the case might be resolved by a rule change and, if not, would face hurdles.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • There, she becomes intrigued by Malaise (Bajrami), a charming young shopgirl for whom Angine is willing to defy the prohibition of kissing.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Federal regulations prohibit new types of aircraft from flying over populated areas, or operating at night and during bad weather, WSJ reported.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The number of people who are found dangerous and prohibited from purchasing guns has increased dramatically.
    Tony Cook, IndyStar, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 49ers were poised to answer with their first points, but the Falcons’ Kaden Ellis intercepted a Jones pass that Jauan Jennings bobbled at the Falcons’ 18.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Washington had intercepted Japanese communications and received warnings that an attack was possible.
    Big Think, Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Aston Villa's ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is just the latest example of restrictions placed on Israel's sports teams and fans in recent months.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The complaint notes that there are less restrictive alternatives to an outright ban.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Several stories account for the ominous name of the stark, forbidding mountains.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • His bail bond conditions forbid him with interacting with minors online or in person.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Courts undid Nixon’s actions, and Congress eventually passed the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which outlawed the maneuver, leaving only narrow exceptions — rescissions — that required congressional sign-off.
    Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Courts undid Nixon’s actions, and Congress eventually passed the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which outlawed the maneuver, leaving only narrow exceptions—rescissions—that required congressional sign-off.
    Andy Kroll, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Interdict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interdict. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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