Prohibition: meaning, definitions and examples

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prohibition

 

[ ˌprəʊɪˈbɪʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

law enforcement

A law or rule that forbids something, especially one that is officially imposed.

Synonyms

ban, proscription, restriction

Examples of usage

  • The prohibition of smoking in public places has made a positive impact on public health.
  • There was a prohibition on the sale of alcohol during the 1920s in the United States.
Context #2 | Noun

social context

The action of forbidding something, especially by law.

Synonyms

ban, forbiddance, proscription

Examples of usage

  • Many countries have strict prohibitions against drug trafficking.
  • The prohibition of discrimination is a fundamental principle in many societies.
Context #3 | Noun

historical

The prevention by law of the manufacture and sale of alcohol, especially in the US between 1920 and 1933.

Synonyms

ban on alcohol, temperance movement

Examples of usage

  • The Prohibition era in the United States led to the rise of organized crime.
  • The repeal of Prohibition was a significant event in American history.

Translations

Translations of the word "prohibition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proibição

🇮🇳 प्रतिबंध

🇩🇪 Verbot

🇮🇩 larangan

🇺🇦 заборона

🇵🇱 zakaz

🇯🇵 禁止 (kinshi)

🇫🇷 interdiction

🇪🇸 prohibición

🇹🇷 yasak

🇰🇷 금지 (geumji)

🇸🇦 حظر

🇨🇿 zákaz

🇸🇰 zákaz

🇨🇳 禁止 (jìnzhǐ)

🇸🇮 prepoved

🇮🇸 bann

🇰🇿 тыйым салу

🇬🇪 აკრძალვა

🇦🇿 qadağa

🇲🇽 prohibición

Word origin

The word 'prohibition' originated in the early 16th century from the Latin word 'prohibitio', which means a forbidding or hindrance. The concept of prohibition has been present in various societies throughout history, often as a means of regulating behavior or controlling certain activities. In the United States, the Prohibition era from 1920 to 1933, when the sale and manufacture of alcohol were banned, is a well-known example of a significant prohibition movement.

See also: prohibit, prohibited, prohibitive, prohibitory.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,920, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.