prohibit

verb

pro·​hib·​it prō-ˈhi-bət How to pronounce prohibit (audio)
prə-
prohibited; prohibiting; prohibits

transitive verb

1
: to forbid by authority : enjoin
2
a
: to prevent from doing something
b
Choose the Right Synonym for prohibit

forbid, prohibit, interdict, inhibit mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done.

forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

Examples of prohibit in a Sentence

The rules prohibit dating a coworker. The prison's electric fence prohibits escape.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It would also be prohibited from creating any substitute organizations. Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 July 2025 Swimming in Liberty Reservoir is prohibited because of the dangers posed by the deep water, which can also get extremely cold in places due to its depth. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025 The harvest or possession of egg-bearing lobster is prohibited. Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 5 July 2025 Since New York City has closed primaries, the independent voters were prohibited from voting in either the Democratic or Republican (uncontested) primary. Dave Anderson, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prohibit

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin prohibitus, past participle of prohibēre to keep off, from pro- forward + habēre to hold — more at pro-, give

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prohibit was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prohibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/dictionary/prohibit. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

prohibit

verb
pro·​hib·​it prō-ˈhib-ət How to pronounce prohibit (audio)
1
: to forbid by authority
prohibit parking
2
: to make impossible
the high walls prohibit escape

More from Merriam-Webster on prohibit

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