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

The police dogs and their handlers also put on 59 public displays and demonstrations for groups throughout Lake County, and the dogs did eight sweeps at schools to help ensure safety and interdict drug use. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

There are no restraining orders, injunctions or interdicts anywhere. — Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024

Verb

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

Coast Guard teams are deployed around the country and around the world and perform a wide range of missions that are considered essential, from search and rescue to interdicting drug vessels. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 14 Feb. 2026