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

Proposition 6, the ballot measure that would have amended the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude in prison, failed.

From Los Angeles Times

The bill specifically prohibits House members from "using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex."

From Salon

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational settings.

From Los Angeles Times

The earlier resolution prohibited district staff from “voluntarily cooperating in any immigration enforcement action, including sharing information about students’ and families’ immigration status with any immigration agent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Che and his coauthors found an increase in sales of plastic bags after the cities prohibited stores from giving away free plastic bags for carrying home groceries.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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

Prohibit Vs. Inhibit

What’s the difference between prohibit and inhibit?

Prohibit most commonly means to forbid or disallow, but it can also mean what inhibit usually means—to prevent or hinder. Inhibit can also mean to forbid, but this use is much less common.

Prohibit is most commonly used in the context of rules, especially official ones like laws. The speed limit prohibits you from going above a certain speed. Parents might prohibit their kids from eating candy before dinner, but the word forbid is more commonly used in cases like this.

Inhibit, on the other hand, is usually used in the context of things that prevent or hinder what someone is trying to do. Speed bumps are designed to inhibit speeding. A leg injury can inhibit your ability to walk.

The meaning of prohibit and inhibit most often overlaps in cases when something is inhibited to the point of almost not being able to happen at all, as in This cast is designed to prohibit movement (prohibit could be replaced with inhibit in this sentence without much or any change in meaning).

The adjective form inhibited is often used to indicate that someone or something is held back from full potential. When it’s applied to a person, it usually involves a mental, emotional, or psychological block, as in I feel less inhibited around my new group of friends—they accept me for who I am.

The adjective prohibited describes something that’s forbidden, as in The sign lists all of the prohibited activities. 

Here’s an example of prohibit and inhibit used correctly in the same sentence.

Example: To inhibit the acceleration of climate change, we must prohibit any increase in fossil fuel emissions. 

Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between inhibit and prohibit.

Quiz yourself on prohibit vs. inhibit!

Should prohibit or inhibit be used in the following sentence?

The school board adopted a new rule to _____ smoking anywhere on school grounds.