Prohibit

/prəˈhɪbɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To formally forbid something by law, rule, or other authority.
The government decided to prohibit smoking in public places.
To prevent someone from doing something.
The school prohibits students from using their phones during class.
To make something impossible or unlikely.
High fees can prohibit access for low-income individuals.
To ban or disallow an action.
The organization prohibits any form of discrimination in the workplace.

Etymology

From Latin 'prohibere' meaning 'to hold back' or 'to keep away'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

prohibit something by law
To make it illegal to do something.
prohibit someone from doing something
To prevent a person from engaging in an activity.

Related Words

prohibition
The act of prohibiting or the state of being prohibited.
prohibitive
Restrictively high in price, making something difficult to obtain.

Slang Meanings

Off-limits.
That area is totally prohibit for us.
No way!
You're thinking of sneaking snacks into the theater? Prohibit, dude!