Interdiction Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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interdiction

[ˌɪntərˈdɪkʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal term

A prohibition or restraining order issued by a competent authority

Synonyms

ban, prohibition, restraint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
interdiction	Used in formal or legal settings where something is officially prohibited, often by law or regulation. The interdiction of certain substances was enforced by the government. There is an interdiction against the sale of alcohol to minors.
prohibition	Often used in legal or historical contexts, particularly referring to historical periods when laws restricted the production and sale of certain items, like alcohol. During the Prohibition era, it was illegal to produce or sell alcoholic beverages in the United States. The prohibition of certain chemicals in food production is aimed at protecting public health.
ban	Commonly used in everyday language to describe something that is not allowed, often imposed by authorities or regulations. The city announced a ban on smoking in all public places. They are considering a ban on plastic bags to protect the environment.
restraint	Used to describe a limitation or control imposed on someone or something, often less severe than a ban. The government imposed restraints on how much water farmers could use during the drought. Financial restraints have limited the company's growth this quarter.

Examples of usage

The court issued an interdiction against the defendant
The interdiction prevented the company from selling the product

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

A formal prohibition or ban imposed by a government or ruling authority

Synonyms

decree, edict, prohibition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
interdiction	Used in legal or formal contexts to denote the act of formally prohibiting something, often by law or legal authority. The interdiction of alcohol sales during the lockdown caused an uproar among the citizens. Interdictions on trade with certain countries are imposed to maintain national security.
prohibition	Used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to the act of forbidding something, often associated with laws or rules. It has a general application and can imply an extended period of enforcement. The school imposed a prohibition on smartphones during class hours. The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s led to the rise of illegal speakeasies.
edict	Typically historical or formal, describing an official order issued by someone in authority, similar to a decree, often associated with monarchs or emperors. The emperor's edict mandated the construction of a new temple. According to the royal edict, all citizens must register their assets.
decree	Used to describe an official order issued by a legal authority, especially in government or monarchial contexts. The king issued a decree to lower taxes for farmers. A presidential decree declared a state of emergency in the coastal regions.

Examples of usage

The interdiction on trade severely impacted the economy
The king issued an interdiction on the use of certain books

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

Interdiction can refer to court orders that prevent individuals or entities from engaging in specific activities.
In military terms, it involves the prevention of enemy supplies or reinforcements, crucial for strategic operations.
In religious contexts, such as in the Catholic Church, it may refer to the prohibition of certain sacraments or public worship activities.

Cultural Significance

Censorship in art and literature often stems from interdiction, with numerous examples of banned books over the years impacting freedom of expression.
In various cultures, interdiction plays a role in social behavior, where certain actions are prohibited to maintain order and respect traditions.
Festivals can also have interdiction phases, like Lent in Christianity, where certain foods or activities are restricted.

Psychology

Interdiction as a concept can lead to feelings of restriction or rebellion, influencing behavior in society and peer groups.
Understanding the reasons behind interdiction can help therapists address issues of control and autonomy in relationships.
In childhood development, experiencing interdiction can teach boundaries and rules, though balance is necessary to avoid feelings of oppression.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'Interstellar' explore themes of interdiction in the context of space missions and human survival.
In fiction, interdiction often serves as a plot device, where characters face barriers that prevent them from achieving their goals, building tension.
Song lyrics often reference interdiction as a metaphor for unfulfilled desires, exploring the emotional impact of being stopped from pursuing something.

Origin of 'interdiction'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'interdictio', meaning 'prohibition', and is derived from 'interdicere', which means to 'prohibit'.
The prefix 'inter-' suggests 'between', hinting at the idea of stopping actions in a relationship or communication.
It's been used in various legal contexts since the 14th century, showing its long-standing role in official language.

The word 'interdiction' originated from the Latin word 'interdictio', which means a prohibition or an order. It has been used in legal contexts for centuries to refer to a formal prohibition or restraining order. In historical contexts, rulers and governments have often issued interdictions to control trade, communication, or certain activities within their territories. The term has evolved over time but continues to be used in legal and historical discussions.