Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Prohibitory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚫
Add to dictionary

prohibitory

[prəˈhɪbɪt(ə)ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

law

Serving to forbid or prohibit something; relating to a command or an order not to do something.

Synonyms

banning, forbidding, restrictive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
prohibitory

Used in a formal or legal setting to describe something that is officially forbidden or restricted by a rule or law.

  • The city council issued a prohibitory order against the use of plastic bags.
  • The prohibitory clause in the contract prevents employees from sharing confidential information.
forbidding

Often used in a more general sense to indicate that something is not allowed or is strongly discouraged. Can also have a more personal or authoritarian connotation.

  • The teacher is forbidding students from talking during the test.
  • The sign says 'No trespassing,' forbidding anyone from entering the private property.
banning

Typically used when an authority or group formally prohibits something, often in a public or governmental context.

  • The government is considering banning single-use plastics to help the environment.
  • The school is banning the use of mobile phones during class hours.
restrictive

Used to describe policies or rules that impose limitations, often for safety or control purposes. It usually has a less severe implication than 'banning' or 'prohibitory.'

  • The new restrictive policies on travel have made it difficult for many people to visit their families.
  • The company has introduced restrictive guidelines for internet usage during work hours.

Examples of usage

  • The prohibitory measures were put in place to prevent further violence.
  • The prohibitory signs clearly indicated no entry allowed in the area.
Context #2 | Adjective

policy

Intended to prevent or discourage certain actions or behaviors.

Synonyms

deterrent, preventive, restrictive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
prohibitory

This word is used when something is explicitly forbidden by a rule, law, or regulation.

  • The prohibitory sign marked 'No Entry' made it clear that the area was off-limits.
  • Due to the prohibitory decree, selling alcohol after midnight is not allowed.
preventive

This word is used when referring to actions or measures taken to stop something from happening, particularly in a positive or health-related context.

  • Wearing sunscreen is a preventive measure against skin cancer.
  • Vaccination is a preventive strategy for many infectious diseases.
deterrent

This word is used when something is intended to discourage or prevent someone from doing something. It often implies a negative consequence.

  • The heavy fines serve as a deterrent to illegal parking.
  • Security cameras act as a deterrent to potential thieves.
restrictive

This word is used to describe something that limits or controls freedom or actions, often with a negative connotation.

  • The restrictive rules in the workplace made employees feel demotivated.
  • Her parents were very restrictive about her going out at night.

Examples of usage

  • The company implemented a series of prohibitory policies to ensure workplace safety.
  • The new prohibitory regulations aimed at reducing environmental pollution.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • Many regulations in finance and trade are described as prohibitory, restricting certain practices to protect consumers.
  • Prohibitory injunctions are legal orders that prevent individuals from taking specific actions, such as using a trademark.
  • Throughout history, laws prohibiting alcohol, known as Prohibition, had significant social and political impacts in the U.S.

Politics

  • Prohibitory measures often arise in political agendas, reflecting societal values and norms about behaviors deemed unacceptable.
  • Certain political movements emphasize prohibitory laws to advance social justice, affecting issues like environmental protection.
  • Practices like censorship involve prohibitory elements where certain speech or media is restricted to preserve public morality.

Culture

  • In many cultures, there are prohibitory taboos, such as restrictions on food, behaviors, or practices considered inappropriate.
  • Prohibitory norms in social settings dictate acceptable behavior, influencing interactions at gatherings, such as prohibiting loud talking in libraries.
  • Art and literature frequently explore themes of prohibition, allowing discussion on freedom versus societal constraints.

Education

  • Some educational institutions have prohibitory policies regarding certain technologies, such as smartphones in classrooms.
  • Prohibitory rules in schools aim to create a conducive learning environment by restricting distractions, promoting focus.
  • Cultural teachings often include prohibitory lessons about moral behavior, guiding children on what actions are acceptable.

Origin of 'prohibitory'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'prohibere,' meaning to hold back or prevent.
  • It combines 'pro-' (for) with 'habere' (to hold), giving the sense of holding back something from happening.
  • First known use dates back to the late 15th century, becoming common during the establishment of various laws.

The word 'prohibitory' comes from the verb 'prohibit,' which has its origins in Latin 'prohibere,' meaning 'to hold back, keep off.' The suffix '-ory' is used to form adjectives, indicating 'relating to, characterized by.' The concept of prohibition has been a part of human societies for centuries, often used in legal and policy contexts to set boundaries or restrictions.

See also: prohibit, prohibited, prohibition, prohibitive.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,937, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.