Prohibition
ˌproʊ.əˈbɪʃ.ən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of forbidding something, especially by law; a ban.
ˌproʊ.əˈbɪʃ.ən
The act of forbidding something by law or rule.
The government imposed a prohibition on the sale of weapons.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents telling you, "NO video games after 10 PM!" That "no" is a prohibition. It's when someone, especially the government, says you absolutely cannot do something.
👶 For kids: When someone says "no" to something you're not allowed to do, like when your mom says "no cookies before dinner!"
More Examples
The company's policy includes a strict prohibition of unauthorized access to data.
There has been a growing call for the prohibition of single-use plastics.
How It's Used
"The prohibition of alcohol during the 1920s led to widespread illegal activity."
"There is a prohibition against smoking in public places."
A period in history (specifically in the U.S.) when the production and sale of alcohol were illegal.
ˌproʊ.əˈbɪʃ.ən
The period in U.S. history (1920–1933) when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were illegal.
Prohibition significantly altered American society.
💡 Simply: Imagine a time in the USA when the government said, "No more alcohol!" for a while. That time in history is called Prohibition.
👶 For kids: A time when grown-ups weren't allowed to make or sell certain drinks.
More Examples
The repeal of Prohibition ended a tumultuous era in the United States.
The legacy of Prohibition continues to shape discussions about alcohol regulation.
How It's Used
"The era of Prohibition in the United States was marked by widespread lawlessness and the rise of organized crime."
Idioms & expressions
Prohibition era
The time in US history (1920-1933) when the sale and production of alcohol was illegal
"The Prohibition era had a significant impact on American culture."
From Latin *prohibitio* ('a forbidding'), from *prohibere* ('to hold back, forbid').
The term 'prohibition' has been used for centuries, initially to describe any act of forbidding. The specific historical context of alcohol prohibition in the early 20th century U.S. made the word particularly prominent.
Memory tip
Think of a law that says "NO!" to something.