prohibit

verb

pro·​hib·​it prō-ˈhi-bət 

prə-

prohibited; prohibiting; prohibits

transitive verb

1

: to forbid by authority : enjoin

2

a

: to prevent from doing something

b

: preclude

Synonyms

• ban
• bar
• enjoin
• forbid
• interdict
• outlaw
• proscribe

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of prohibit in a Sentence

The rules prohibit dating a coworker.

The prison's electric fence prohibits escape.

Recent Examples on the Web

The agency also prohibited the simultaneous use of runways 15/33 and 4/22 when helicopters conducting urgent missions are operating near DCA. —Alexandra Koch , Chad Pergram , Grady Trimble, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025

Hoffman previously sponsored legislation that prohibited state and local agencies from enacting vaccine mandates. —Mary Hudetz, ProPublica, 2 May 2025

In 2020, saying more action was needed to curb climate change and the wildfires and droughts associated with it, Newsom signed an executive order to prohibit the sale of all new cars and light trucks that run on gasoline starting in 2035. —Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 1 May 2025

The quarterly numbers hit the day after a scathing ruling against Apple in its longstanding antitrust battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games as a federal judge said the company knowingly violated a court order prohibiting it from collecting fees on purchases made outside of iOS apps. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin prohibitus, past participle of prohibēre to keep off, from pro- forward + habēre to hold — more at pro-, give

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prohibit

• exhibit
• inhibit
• gibbet
• thibet

Kids Definition

prohibit

verb

pro·​hib·​it prō-ˈhib-ət 

1

: to forbid by authority

prohibit parking

2

: to make impossible

the high walls prohibit escape