prohibit

verb

pro·​hib·​it prō-ˈhi-bət How to pronounce prohibit (audio)
prə-
prohibited; prohibiting; prohibits

transitive verb

1
: to forbid by authority : enjoin
2
a
: to prevent from doing something
b
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 That court had found that Donald Trump, owing to his role in the events of January 6th, had been disqualified under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits people who have sworn an oath to the Constitution and then engaged in an insurrection against it from holding office. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2024 In Nebraska, Republican State Sen. Dave Murman proposed a bill in January that would prohibit state colleges and universities from dedicating public money and staff time to DEI efforts. Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 Another policy mandate prohibits the Justice Department from investigating parents who exercise free speech at local school board meetings. Kevin Freking, Quartz, 9 Mar. 2024 Late 1964 Confusion over implementation Many businesses are confused about how to comply with the new laws, which encourage them to diversify their workforces while prohibiting discrimination. Emma Kumer, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 What is prohibited at Footprint Center for concerts? Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 This year’s spending package prohibits the department from transmitting that information unless a relevant judicial authority rules that the beneficiary is a danger to himself or herself, or others. Kevin Freking, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 No one in Indiana, however, is proposing to prohibit those uses. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Mar. 2024 The Texas and Florida laws prohibit online platforms from removing or demoting user content that expresses certain viewpoints. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prohibit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prohibit was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prohibit

Cite this Entry

“Prohibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prohibit. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prohibit

verb
pro·​hib·​it prō-ˈhib-ət How to pronounce prohibit (audio)
1
: to forbid by authority
prohibit parking
2
: to make impossible
the high walls prohibit escape

More from Merriam-Webster on prohibit

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