prohibited
Americanadjective
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of prohibited
Explanation
When something is prohibited, it's not allowed. If you see the sign "Swimming is prohibited," stay out of the water. Whether used as a verb ("You prohibited your friend from entering") or an adjective ("The prohibited word escaped your lips"), prohibited means something was forbidden — a no-no. You often see it in signs like "Smoking prohibited." It's a strong word, indicating that something is banned and suggesting dire consequences if the ban is not obeyed. On the other hand, when something is prohibited it might seem more appealing.
Vocabulary lists containing prohibited
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 12–15
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The 18th Amendment (1919)
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"Jim Crow Laws"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The California Department of Justice monitors individuals who legally purchase firearms under the Armed and Prohibited Persons System, a statewide database that cross-references purchases against other records.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2023
Prohibited items include large bags, liquids, spray paint, knives, fireworks, flowers, candles, stuffed toys and “advertising or marketing messages.”
From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2022
Prohibited items include everything from metal pipes and swords to fireworks and skateboards.
From Reuters • Aug. 10, 2018
Prohibited by the state Constitution from serving a second consecutive term, McAuliffe will hand over the Executive Mansion to his friend and chosen successor, Northam.
From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2018
Prohibited Degrees.—Marriage between ascendants and descendants, between brothers and sisters of the whole or half blood, between uncle and niece, or aunt and nephew, and between first cousins, is forbidden.
From Marriage and Divorce Laws of the World by Ringrose, Hyacinthe
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
