prohibit

[ proh-hib-it ]

verb (used with object)

1. to forbid (an action, activity, etc.) by authority or law:

   Smoking is prohibited here.

   Synonyms: interdict

   Antonyms: permit

2. to forbid the action of (a person).
3. to prevent; hinder.

   Synonyms: obstruct

prohibit

/ prəˈhɪbɪt /

verb

1. to forbid by law or other authority
2. to hinder or prevent

Derived Forms

• proˈhibiter, noun

Other Words From

• pro·hib·it·er pro·hib·i·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prohibit¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin prohibitus, past participle of prohibēre “to hold before, hold back, hinder, forbid,” equivalent to pro- pro- ¹ + -hibēre, combining form of habēre “to have, hold”; habit ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of prohibit¹

C15: from Latin prohibēre to prevent, from pro- ¹+ habēre to hold

Synonym Study

See forbid.

Example Sentences

FA rules prohibit the "appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message".

From BBC

In October, she won city council approval of an interim control ordinance that would temporarily prohibit development of any warehouse larger than 15,000 square feet in the area.

From Los Angeles Times

Rule A4 of the FA's kit and advertising regulations prohibit the "appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any religious message".

From BBC

It also claims the companies’ actions violated Colorado’s antitrust laws, which prohibit agreements that restrain competition.

From Salon

This red state vs. blue state divide over medical care for minors comes before a conservative high court that has already ruled states are free to permit or prohibit abortion.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ban
• block
• constrain
• enjoin
• forbid
• freeze
• halt
• hinder
• impede
• inhibit
• outlaw
• preclude
• prevent
• proscribe
• restrain
• restrict
• rule out