prohibit

verb pro·hib·it \prō-ˈhi-bət, prə-\

: to order (someone) not to use or do something

: to say that (something) is not allowed

: to make (something) impossible to do

Full Definition of PROHIBIT

transitive verb

: to forbid by authority : enjoin

a : to prevent from doing something

b : preclude

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Origin of PROHIBIT

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

Related to PROHIBIT

Synonyms: ban, bar, enjoin, interdict, outlaw, forbid, proscribe

Antonyms: 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>.