Banned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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banned

[bรฆnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

social media

Prohibit or disallow (someone) from doing something, especially access to a particular online platform or service.

Synonyms

bar, exclude, forbid, prohibit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
banned

Used to describe something that is officially or legally forbidden due to a rule or law.

  • He was banned from the sports club for his behavior
  • Smoking is banned in most public places
prohibit

Used in official or formal contexts to state that something is not allowed, often found in legal or regulatory language.

  • The government prohibits the use of certain chemicals in food
  • The school prohibits fighting on campus
bar

Often used to refer to preventing someone from entrance or participation temporarily or permanently. Used more in British English.

  • She was barred from entering the restaurant
  • The teacher barred the student from the class for a week
exclude

Refers to leaving someone or something out of a group, event, or activity intentionally or by rule.

  • They decided to exclude him from the meeting
  • The club excludes anyone under 18
forbid

Indicates a strong prohibition, usually by someone in authority. It carries a more serious or formal tone.

  • My parents forbid me to go to the party
  • The law forbids any kind of discrimination

Examples of usage

  • He was banned from the website for violating the terms of service.
  • The user was banned for posting inappropriate content.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Officially or legally prohibit.

Synonyms

forbidden, outlawed, prohibited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
banned

Use when something is officially not allowed or when a person is not allowed to do something or go somewhere.

  • He was banned from entering the club.
  • Smoking is banned in all public buildings.
prohibited

Use in formal, legal, or official contexts to state that something is not allowed, especially by a rule or law.

  • Alcohol is prohibited on school grounds.
  • The city has prohibited the use of fireworks.
forbidden

Use when something is not allowed, often in a more formal, serious, or strict context.

  • Entering the old building is strictly forbidden.
  • It's forbidden to pick the flowers in the park.
outlawed

Use when something is made illegal by law.

  • The sale of certain drugs has been outlawed.
  • Slavery was outlawed in many countries in the 19th century.

Examples of usage

  • The banned substance is not allowed in competitions.
  • The government banned the use of plastic bags.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'ban' comes from the Old English 'bannan', meaning to summon or proclaim, which shows its roots in authority.
  • In the medieval period, the term was often linked to powerful figures like kings or lords who had the authority to banish individuals from their lands.
  • The practice of banning items or people dates back to ancient civilizations, where leaders used bans to maintain control over society.

Legal Context

  • Laws can impose bans on harmful substances, like certain drugs, aimed at protecting public health.
  • Bans can also apply to activities, such as protests in certain areas, demonstrating the balance between freedom and safety.
  • Censorship is a form of banning that restricts access to information or media considered inappropriate or dangerous.

Cultural Impact

  • Some famous books, like '1984' and 'The Catcher in the Rye', have been banned in various communities, sparking debates about freedom of speech.
  • Music and art can face bans too, highlighting cultural tensions when expressions clash with societal values.
  • Popular video games often face bans in different countries due to content deemed unsuitable for children or contrary to local laws.

Psychological Effects

  • Being banned can lead to feelings of isolation or rebellion, as people often react strongly when their choices are limited.
  • Psychologically, bans enforce the idea of forbidden fruit, making them more appealing to those who are restricted from having them.
  • The act of banning can serve as a catalyst for social movements, as seen when communities unite against unjust prohibitions.

Technology

  • In the tech world, software or devices can be banned if they pose security risks, like malware or breaches of privacy.
  • Content bans on social media platforms often spark discussions about censorship versus user safety in the age of information.
  • The rapid evolution of technology can lead to quick bans on emerging tools that society hasnโ€™t fully vetted for ethical use.

Origin of 'banned'

The word 'banned' originated from the Middle English word 'bannen', which means to summon or curse. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to officially prohibiting or disallowing something. The concept of banning has been present in various societies throughout history as a means of maintaining order and enforcing rules.


See also: ban, banal, banish, banner, banning, banter.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,537, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.