Prohibit: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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' 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.

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' 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.