Prohibit
/proʊˈhɪbɪt/
Definitions
To formally forbid something; to prevent something from happening by law or authority.
/proʊˈhɪbɪt/
To formally forbid something by law or rule.
The city council prohibited smoking in public parks.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents saying 'No!' to something you really want to do. Prohibit is like a grown-up 'No!' but often written down in rules and laws. If something is prohibited, it's officially not allowed.
👶 For kids: To say 'no' to something so that nobody can do it.
More Examples
The company's rules strictly prohibit employees from using company resources for personal gain.
The government decided to prohibit the import of certain goods due to health concerns.
How It's Used
"The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors."
"The school prohibits the use of cell phones during class."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
prohibitively expensive
So expensive that it effectively prevents people from buying something.
"The luxury car was prohibitively expensive for most people."
From Latin *prohibere* ('to hold back, restrain'), from *pro-* ('before, forward') + *habere* ('to have, hold').
The word has been used in English since the 15th century and has consistently carried the meaning of forbidding or preventing.
Memory tip
Think of a prison gate. If something is PROHIBITed, it's behind the gate; you are not allowed.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: *prohibere*