First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
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
1
: to forbid by authority : enjoin
2
a : to prevent from doing something b : preclude
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Origin of PROHIBIT
Related to PROHIBIT
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>.
PROHIBIT Defined for Kids
prohibit
verb pro·hib·it \prō-ˈhi-bət\
pro·hib·it·edpro·hib·it·ing
Definition of PROHIBIT for Kids
1
: to forbid by authority <Parking is prohibited.>
2
: to make impossible <The high walls prohibit escape.>
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