Ban
/bæn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo prohibit or outlaw something.
/bæn/
To officially forbid something.
The city banned smoking in public places.
💡 Simply: To say something is not allowed.
More Examples
They banned him from the country.
How It's Used
"The government banned the import of certain chemicals."
"The school banned cell phones during class."
An official order that prohibits something.
/bæn/
An official prohibition.
The import ban significantly impacted businesses.
💡 Simply: Something that's not allowed.
More Examples
The travel ban was controversial.
How It's Used
"There is a ban on nuclear weapons testing."
"A ban on plastic bags is in effect."
From Old French *ban, from Old High German *ban, meaning "proclamation, order".
The word 'ban' has been used in its current sense for centuries, primarily relating to governmental decrees or social prohibitions.
Memory tip
Think of 'ban' as a barrier preventing something.
Word Origin
"proclamation, order"