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

Players on rehab assignments will be prohibited from using GMS Field’s facilities and will instead train at the club’s player development complex nearby. —Chris Kirschner, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024

Individuals convicted of federal felonies and pardoned by the president would still be prohibited from voting in federal elections in some states, for example, according to the Brookings Institution. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Gender-affirming medical care and changing one’s gender in official documents are prohibited. —Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024

Settlements of this kind ordinarily prohibit the parties from speaking about the matter and sharing any relevant evidence (such as texts, emails, direct messages, videos and phone records). —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Dec. 2024

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

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