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

Authorities said Guzman’s criminal history includes state felony convictions in Connecticut so he is prohibited from possessing a gun. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 20 Mar. 2025

As a result, despite several states having laws prohibiting any detectable THC in drivers, there is no clear consensus on safe cannabis levels for driving. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Republicans and Democrats each introduced IVF bills in the Senate last year: The Democratic bill proposed codifying access to IVF at the federal level, while the Republican bill would have denied Medicaid funds to states that prohibited IVF. —Alexandra Chaidez, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025

The proposal also prohibits police from initiating communications with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about someone’s pending or imminent release from jail for any other reason than the end of their criminal sentence. —Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 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