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Prohibit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prohibit

[prəˈhɪbɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

law

Formally forbid (something) by law, rule, or other authority.

Synonyms

ban, bar, forbid, prevent, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prohibit

Use 'prohibit' in formal or legal contexts when something is officially or legally not allowed.

  • The law prohibits smoking in public places.
  • The school prohibits the use of mobile phones during classes.
forbid

Use 'forbid' in both formal and informal contexts to indicate strong disapproval or a command not to do something. It has a more personal touch compared to 'prohibit' or 'ban'.

  • Parents often forbid their children from staying out late.
  • The museum forbids taking photographs inside.
ban

Choose 'ban' when something is officially declared not allowed, often by a governing body, and this can be temporary or permanent.

  • Plastic bags were banned to reduce pollution.
  • The government has banned large gatherings due to the pandemic.
restrict

'Restrict' is used when limiting access or modifying the extent to which something is allowed, without completely banning it.

  • Access to the area was restricted to authorized personnel only.
  • The diet restricts the intake of sugar and fats.
bar

Use 'bar' to imply physical or metaphorical obstruction, suggesting a limit or barrier to entry or participation.

  • The club barred him from entering due to misconduct.
  • Some countries bar non-residents from buying property.
prevent

'Prevent' is used to describe stopping something from happening, especially through proactive measures.

  • Regular exercise can prevent heart diseases.
  • The school implemented measures to prevent bullying.

Examples of usage

  • The sale of alcohol is prohibited on the premises.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited in this area.
  • The government prohibits the import of certain goods.
  • The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To prevent or hinder.

Synonyms

hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct, prevent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prohibit

Used when an authority formally forbids certain actions or behaviors. Often found in legal and policy contexts.

  • The school has decided to prohibit smoking on campus.
  • The government may prohibit the sale of certain substances.
prevent

Used when stopping something from happening altogether, often through pre-emptive action. Can have a proactive connotation.

  • Washing your hands can prevent the spread of germs.
  • The new policy aims to prevent fraud in financial transactions.
hinder

Used to describe an interference that makes progress difficult, but does not necessarily stop it. Can have a more formal tone.

  • His injury will hinder his ability to play sports.
  • Poor equipment can hinder scientific research.
impede

Used when there is an obstacle that makes movement or progress more difficult. Often implies physical obstructions.

  • The large rock in the path will impede our journey.
  • Economic sanctions can impede a country's development.
hamper

Used when something is slowing down progress or movement, often unintentionally or due to external factors.

  • Heavy rain can hamper construction efforts.
  • The lack of funding will hamper our new project.
obstruct

Used when something is completely or significantly blocking a path or view, often used in a physical or abstract sense.

  • The fallen tree will obstruct the road until it's removed.
  • Unclear guidelines can obstruct effective decision-making.

Examples of usage

  • His busy schedule prohibits him from taking on any more projects.
  • Time constraints may prohibit us from attending the event.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Many laws explicitly prohibit certain actions, such as theft or assault, to protect individuals and society.
  • Prohibition was a legal ban on alcohol in the United States from 1920 to 1933, leading to both underground markets and significant social change.
  • Regulations often prohibit smoking in public areas to promote public health and reduce secondhand smoke exposure.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Cultural norms may prohibit behaviors that are considered disrespectful, such as public displays of affection in some societies.
  • Some religions have prohibitions against certain foods or actions, shaping dietary laws and moral conduct.
  • Artistic expressions can sometimes be prohibited by authorities, leading to censorship and sparking debates on freedom of expression.

Psychology

  • Prohibitions can trigger curiosity and rebellion, especially in adolescents, leading them to explore forbidden topics.
  • Understanding why something is prohibited can help individuals reconcile their desires with social expectations.
  • The 'reactance theory' suggests that when people feel their freedoms are being prohibited, they may react strongly against such restrictions.

Environmental Regulations

  • Countries may prohibit certain practices, like poaching endangered species, to protect biodiversity.
  • Prohibitions on plastic bags in various places aim to reduce environmental pollution and encourage sustainable practices.
  • Certain chemicals are prohibited in farming to prevent harm to ecosystems and human health.

Origin of 'prohibit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'prohibere,' which means 'to hold back' or 'keep away.'
  • It combines 'pro-' meaning 'in front of' and 'hibere' meaning 'to hold or keep.'
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe restrictions or bans.

The word 'prohibit' comes from the Latin word 'prohibere', which means 'to keep off, hinder'. The concept of prohibition has been present in human societies for centuries, with rules and laws being put in place to restrict certain actions or behaviors. Throughout history, prohibition has been used in various contexts, from religious practices to legal regulations. The idea of prohibiting something often stems from a desire to maintain order, protect individuals, or uphold moral values.

See also: prohibited, prohibition, prohibitive, prohibitory.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,175 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.