Prohibited: meaning, definitions and examples

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prohibited

[prəˈhɪbɪtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a legal context

officially forbidden by law, rule, or other authority

Synonyms

banned, forbidden, illegal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prohibited	This entry seems to be a duplicate and has the same context as the first 'prohibited' entry. This content is redundant as it repeats the same information as the first 'prohibited' entry.
forbidden	Often used in a moral, personal, or less formal context to indicate that something is not allowed. It can also imply a sense of something being off-limits or taboo. Entering the forest at night is forbidden. It was a forbidden love.
banned	Typically used to describe something that is not allowed, often by law or official decree. It can also carry a more serious or strict connotation. The movie was banned in several countries due to its controversial content. Single-use plastic bags are banned in many regions to reduce environmental impact.
illegal	Used in legal contexts to indicate that something is against the law. It carries a strong connotation and can imply potential consequences or penalties. Selling counterfeit goods is illegal. It is illegal to drive without a valid license.

Examples of usage

Smoking is prohibited in this area.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a social context

formally forbid (something) by law, rule, or other authority

Synonyms

ban, bar, forbid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prohibited	Use 'prohibited' when referring to formal rules or laws that explicitly do not allow something. Smoking is prohibited in this area The new policy prohibits the use of cellphones during work hours
ban	Use 'ban' when referring to an official or legal order that stops something from being done or used. This word often implies a broader or more permanent restriction. The government decided to ban all imports of endangered species There is a ban on plastic bags in many cities
bar	Use 'bar' when referring to preventing entry or access to a place, group, or activity. Often implies physical prevention or being stopped at a checkpoint. He was barred from entering the club The security system bars unauthorized users from accessing the building
forbid	Use 'forbid' when referring to someone in authority not allowing someone to do something. It is less formal than 'prohibited' and can be used in everyday situations. Her parents forbid her from going out late at night The school forbids students to use phones during class

Examples of usage

The sign clearly prohibits parking on the grass.
The new law prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'prohibere', meaning 'to hold back'.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used in a legal context.
Many languages share this root, including Spanish 'prohibido' and French 'interdit', showing a common understanding of restrictions.

Law

Many behaviors and actions are prohibited by law to maintain societal order, like stealing or driving under the influence.
Prohibition in the early 20th century in the U.S. made the production and sale of alcohol illegal, leading to both increased crime and underground movements.
Certain items, such as dangerous drugs or weapons, are legally prohibited to protect public safety.

Culture

Cultural taboos often lead to the prohibition of certain practices, like certain foods or rituals that are not accepted within a society.
In some religions, there are prohibitions against specific behaviors, like consuming pork in Islam or Judaism.
Art and literature can challenge prohibitions, leading to censorship and debates about freedom of expression.

Psychology

The concept of prohibition can evoke a sense of rebellion; people often want to do things that are banned, leading to the 'forbidden fruit' effect.
Understanding what is prohibited affects decision-making, as people may weigh risks differently based on perceived consequences.
When faced with prohibited actions, individuals often assess their personal and societal values to determine their responses.

History

Throughout history, various groups, including governments and churches, have imposed prohibitions to control societal behavior and cultural practices.
In ancient Rome, certain religious practices were prohibited for non-citizens, reflecting power dynamics of inclusion and exclusion.
Prohibitions can sometimes lead to revolutions, as individuals and communities rally against restrictive laws or norms, such as the French Revolution.

Translations

Translations of the word "prohibited" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proibido

🇮🇳 निषिद्ध

🇩🇪 verboten

🇮🇩 dilarang

🇺🇦 заборонений

🇵🇱 zabroniony

🇯🇵 禁止された

🇫🇷 interdit

🇪🇸 prohibido

🇹🇷 yasaklanmış

🇰🇷 금지된

🇸🇦 محظور

🇨🇿 zakázaný

🇸🇰 zakázaný

🇨🇳 禁止的

🇸🇮 prepovedan

🇮🇸 bannað

🇰🇿 тыйым салынған

🇬🇪 აკრძალული

🇦🇿 qadağan olunmuş

🇲🇽 prohibido

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,884, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3881 elevation
3882 offense
3883 unlikely
3884 prohibited
3885 fiber
3886 humans
3887 refusal
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