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Prohibition: meaning, definitions and examples

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prohibition

 

[ˌprəʊɪˈbɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

law enforcement

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

Synonyms

ban, proscription, restriction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prohibition

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.
ban

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.
restriction

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.
proscription

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.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prohibition

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.
forbiddance

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.
proscription

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.
ban

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.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prohibition

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

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.
ban on alcohol

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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Prohibition in the United States lasted from 1920 to 1933, banning the production and sale of alcohol.
  • The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution established Prohibition, driven by the temperance movement seeking to improve society.
  • Repeal came with the 21st Amendment, making it the first amendment to overturn an earlier one.

Cultural Impact

  • Prohibition led to the rise of speakeasies, secret bars that defied the law and offered illicit drinks.
  • The era spawned mobsters like Al Capone, who capitalized on illegal alcohol distribution, highlighting the law's failure.
  • Jazz music flourished in underground clubs, becoming a symbol of the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

Legal and Political

  • The Volstead Act, which defined what constituted 'intoxicating liquor,' was critical to enforcing Prohibition laws.
  • Prohibition sparked organized crime, resulting in increased violence and social unrest as police struggled to enforce the ban.
  • The movement for Prohibition was initially rooted in moral and religious arguments but lacked widespread public support over time.

Effects on Society

  • Alcohol consumption actually increased during Prohibition as people sought out illegal alternatives.
  • Law enforcement became heavily focused on enforcing alcohol laws, diverting attention from other crimes.
  • The time sparked a greater discussion around personal freedoms and government control, shaping future legislation.

Global Perspectives

  • Similar prohibition movements also occurred in other countries, such as Canada and Finland, each with their unique outcomes.
  • Some countries still have alcohol bans today, reflecting cultural attitudes towards drinking.
  • Prohibition experiences in certain nations contributed to modern discussions about drug laws and personal freedoms.

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 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.