Interdict Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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interdict

[หŒษชn.tษšหˆdษชkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To interdict means to prohibit or place a restriction on something, often in a legal or formal manner. This term is commonly used in law to describe the action taken by a court to forbid a particular action or to impose a restraint on a person's rights. Interdicts can be temporary or permanent, and they aim to prevent harm or protect rights until a full hearing can be conducted. The term can also refer to the act of intercepting or seizing something, particularly in cases of enforcement of the law.

Synonyms

ban, forbid, prevent, prohibit, restrict.

Examples of usage

  • The court decided to interdict the distribution of the book.
  • Authorities may interdict goods suspected of being illegal.
  • The judge issued an interdict against the construction project.
Context #2 | Noun

legal order

An interdict is a legal order that prohibits a specific action or enforces a legal restraint. It is similar to an injunction, serving as a directive issued by a court or authoritative body, often in response to a legal issue requiring immediate attention. Interdicts are commonly used in civil law systems and can be crucial in protecting rights or maintaining the status quo. The term can also refer to a religious or moral prohibition.

Synonyms

ban, directive, injunction, order, prohibition.

Examples of usage

  • The interdict was issued to stop the sale of the contaminated food product.
  • After the interdict, the company's operations were put on hold.
  • Legal interdicts are essential for ensuring compliance with the law.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, interdicts can prevent individuals from certain activities, especially in civil law countries.
  • An interdict is often issued by a judge to prevent harm or disruption within a community or system.
  • In countries like South Africa, interdicts are crucial tools in court to provide immediate relief to those facing threats.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters may face an interdict from society, highlighting themes of freedom versus control.
  • The concept of interdict has appeared in various films to depict authority challenging individualsโ€™ rights or freedoms.
  • Religious texts often contain interdicts that guide community behaviors, reflecting moral or ethical standards.

Psychology

  • The idea of an interdict can relate to psychological control, like how limitations can shape behavior and decision-making.
  • In therapy, discussions around personal interdicts may help individuals understand their boundaries and autonomy.
  • Interdiction in a psychological sense can refer to self-imposed limits people set on their own actions.

Historical Context

  • The Catholic Church historically used interdicts to impose sanctions on regions or practices deemed inappropriate.
  • In medieval times, an interdict could mean a community was barred from receiving sacraments, showcasing its power.
  • Interdicts were often employed during wars to restrict movements and actions of opposing forces.

Origin of 'interdict'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'interdictus', meaning to prohibit.
  • In ancient Rome, interdicts were often used by authorities to control actions or movements.
  • The prefix 'inter-' means 'between' and 'dict' comes from 'dicere', meaning 'to say'. So, itโ€™s like saying 'stop in between'.

The word 'interdict' originates from the Latin term 'interdicere', which means 'to forbid' or 'to prohibit'. This Latin term is composed of the prefix 'inter-', meaning 'between' or 'among', and 'dicere', meaning 'to say' or 'to declare'. Historically, interdicts were significant in the ecclesiastical context, where they were used by the Church to prohibit certain actions or to impose sanctions on individuals or communities. The practice was notably employed during conflicts between church authorities and rulers, where the Church would interdict the land or people to exert influence and control. Over time, the use of the term expanded into legal contexts, where it is now commonly associated with court orders. The evolution of the term reflects its broader implications of authority and restriction throughout various aspects of law and governance.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,629, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.