Words / B2

pr-uh-HIB-it/prəˈhɪbɪt/

To prohibit is to forbid something officially, by law or rule: prohibit + noun, or prohibit someone from + -ing. Ban is more journalistic; forbid is everyday (parents forbid); prohibit is legal and formal. Prohibition is the noun; prohibitive often describes a price that is too high, and signs read Smoking is prohibited.

Meaning

To officially forbid something.

Examples

• “The rules prohibit phones in the exam.”
• “The regulations prohibit the use of flash photography.”
• “Visitors are prohibited from feeding the animals.”

Good to know

prohibit someone from + -ing. Formal/legal forbid. Noun: prohibition.

Near in meaning

forbid, ban

New