Prohibition: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in legal or formal contexts to describe a law or regulation that forbids certain actions.

• The prohibition of alcohol was a major event in U.S. history.
• There is a strict prohibition against smoking in the building.

Common word used to describe an official rule that stops something from happening. It is less formal than 'prohibition'.

• There is a ban on plastic bags in many cities.
• The new law includes a ban on texting while driving.

Used when something is limited or controlled, rather than completely forbidden. Common in legal, medical, and general use.

• There are restrictions on the sale of certain medications.
• The new restrictions on travel caused many inconveniences.

Used in very formal or legal contexts to indicate that something is forbidden. It often has a historical or severe connotation.

• The proscription of dissenting voices led to widespread fear.
• Failure to comply with the proscription will result in severe penalties.

Used in formal or legal contexts to denote legally enforced restrictions, especially those historically significant like the Prohibition era in the US.

• The prohibition on alcohol sales lasted for over a decade.
• There is a strict prohibition on smoking in the hospital premises.

An uncommon and formal way of referring to the act of forbidding something; often found in old texts or literary contexts.

• The forbiddance of certain rituals caused unrest among the believers.
• His forbiddance of any communication left her in silence.

A very formal and rare term, usually used in historical or legal contexts, often implying severe consequences for the prohibited action. Can have a negative connotation.

• The proscription of the political group led to many arrests.
• Proscription of these books during the regime stifled freedom of expression.

Commonly used in everyday language and media to describe the act of officially preventing something from happening or being used.

• The government has imposed a ban on plastic bags.
• He was given a lifetime ban from the stadium.

Repeats due to the synonym group, same as first 'prohibition' context and examples apply.

Refers to the social and political movement that advocated for abstinence from alcohol and the promotion of moderation or complete abstinence, often involving moral and religious motivations.

• The temperance movement gained momentum in the early 19th century.
• Leaders of the temperance movement worked tirelessly to educate the public about the dangers of alcohol consumption.

Directly refers to the legal restriction on the production, sale, or consumption of alcoholic beverages. This phrase can be used in a modern context or to refer to specific countries or regions where alcohol is currently prohibited.

• The government imposed a ban on alcohol to reduce public health concerns.
• In some countries, there is a complete ban on alcohol during certain religious holidays.