Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

prohibit

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of prohibit

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

  • the city prohibits swimming in the lake after dark
Synonyms of prohibit

ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, proscribe
Words Related to prohibit

deter, discourage, dissuade

clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress

halt, preclude, prevent, stop

embargo, exclude, rule out, shut out

debar, deprive, disallow, reject, repudiate, veto

bridle, check, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain

block, hinder, impede, obstruct
Near Antonyms of prohibit

approve, endorse (also indorse), sanction

authorize, license (also licence), warrant

abet, advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, nourish, nurture, promote, support

bid, command, order

abide, bear, brook, countenance, endure, tolerate
Antonyms of prohibit

allow, let, permit, suffer

Synonym Discussion of prohibit

forbid, prohibit, interdict, inhibit mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done. forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.
    • smoking is forbidden in the building
prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.
    • prohibited the sale of liquor
interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.
    • practices interdicted by the church
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

Learn More about prohibit

  1. See words that rhyme with prohibit Dictionary: Definition of prohibit Spanish Central: Translation of prohibit Nglish: Translation of prohibit for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prohibit for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up prohibit? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

perennial

living or existing for a long time

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. synergy Mueller files Cohen details.

  2. slumgullion From the broadcast of 'It Happened on Fifth Avenue'

  3. endgame Marvel's Avengers: Endgame

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games