Prohibited

prəˈhɪbɪtɪd

verbmedium📊CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To formally forbid (something) by law, rule, or other authority.

prəˈhɪbɪt

verbnegativemedium
Action

To forbid something by law or rule.

The company prohibited employees from accessing social media during work hours.

💡 Simply: Imagine a sign that says 'No!' - like, 'No running in the hallways!' or 'No using your phone in the movie theater!' Prohibited means officially saying 'No' to something.

👶 For kids: It means to say something is NOT allowed. Like, the teacher says "No running!" That means running is prohibited.

More Examples

2

The judge prohibited the witness from discussing certain evidence.

3

The school prohibits students from wearing hats in the classroom.

How It's Used

Legal

"The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors."

Social

"Smoking is prohibited in public buildings."

2

Formally forbidden; not allowed.

prəˈhɪbɪtɪd

adjectivenegativemedium
State

Forbidden by law or rule.

The use of cell phones is prohibited in the examination room.

💡 Simply: Imagine a place that's 'off-limits' - like, 'The swimming pool is prohibited after 8 PM!' or 'Using this machine is prohibited unless you're trained!' Prohibited means it's against the rules.

👶 For kids: When something is prohibited, it means you can't do it or use it. It's like a 'No!' sign.

More Examples

2

Entry to the restricted zone was strictly prohibited.

3

Prohibited substances were confiscated at the border.

How It's Used

General

"The prohibited area was clearly marked with signs."

Travel

"Certain items are prohibited on flights."

Tip:Think of 'prohibited' as describing something that has a 'pro-' (forbid) tag on it.

Idioms & expressions

prohibit someone from doing something

To formally forbid or prevent someone from doing something.

"The school prohibits students from bringing their cell phones to school."

From Latin prohibitus, past participle of prohibere ('to forbid').

Used since the 15th century, reflecting legal and societal restrictions.

Memory tip

Think of the 'pro-' prefix (meaning 'before' or 'for') plus 'hibit' (like 'inhibit'). It's about stopping something *before* it happens.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to forbid, prevent, restrain"

prohibit the use ofprohibit from doingprohibited areaprohibited substancesprohibit access

Common misspellings

prohibittedprohibetedprohibitted

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written