Meaning & Definition of word "Prohibition"

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    Prohibition

    /ˌprəʊɪˈbɪʃən/

    noun:

    • 1. The action of forbidding something, especially by law.
      • Example: The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s led to the rise of illegal speakeasies.
    • 2. A law or regulation that forbids something.
      • Example: The new prohibition against smoking in public places has been welcomed by health advocates.
    • 3. The act of prohibiting; a formal or informal restriction.
      • Example: The prohibition on cell phones during exams aims to prevent cheating.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'prohibitio', from 'prohibere' meaning 'to forbid'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    Prohibition era:

    A historical period in the United States during the 1920s when the sale of alcoholic beverages was banned.

    Prohibition law:

    A specific legal statute that forbids certain actions or behaviors.

    Prohibition against:

    A formal or legal prohibition on particular actions.

    Related Words

    prohibit:

    To formally forbid something.

    restrict:

    To limit the number or amount of something.

    ban:

    To officially or legally prohibit something.

    Slang Meanings of prohibition

    Meaning: The act of going against rules.

    Example Sentence: Sneaking alcohol into the party was a total prohibition bust.

    Meaning: A playful or informal reference to rules about alcohol.

    Example Sentence: They're making a prohibition out of a few drinks at the BBQ.