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

TikTok says its community guidelines strictly prohibit hate speech and content promoting discrimination, violence or harm based on disability.

From BBC

Park added that Trump’s Republican allies have also floated plans that would restrict or prohibit state taxes on healthcare providers, further squeezing funding for Medicaid programs.

From Los Angeles Times

Both the Senedd and the Chamber prohibit any food or drink other than water and unless needed for health reasons, which will need to be cleared prior to meetings.

From BBC

And although the drug is generally banned in states that prohibit abortion, blue states have set up “shield laws” that allow their providers to prescribe and mail it to red-state patients.

From Slate

If passed, Amendment 4 would have amended the Florida state constitution to prohibit government interference with the right to abortion before viability.

From Salon

Related Words

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