Prohibit — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /prō-ˈhi-bət/ pro·hib·it

Meaning & Definition of Prohibit

Prohibit (verb)

  1. to forbid by authority, enjoin
  2. to prevent from doing something
  3. preclude

Prohibit (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to order not to do or use or to be done or used

    "the city prohibits swimming in the lake after dark"

    similar: ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, proscribe
    related: deter, discourage, dissuade, clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress, halt, preclude, prevent, stop, embargo, exclude, rule out, shut out, debar, deprive, disallow, reject, repudiate, veto, bridle, check, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain, block, hinder, impede, obstruct
    opposite: allow, let, permit, suffer
    near: approve, endorse, sanction, authorize, license, warrant, abet, advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, nourish, nurture, promote, support, bid, command, order, abide, bear, brook, countenance, endure, tolerate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Prohibit

The most common words with a similar meaning to Prohibit:

ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, proscribe

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Prohibit

Words with the opposite meaning of Prohibit:

allow, let, permit, suffer

Related Words for Prohibit

deter, discourage, dissuade, clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress, halt, preclude, prevent, stop, embargo, exclude, rule out, shut out, debar, deprive, disallow, reject, repudiate, veto

Near Antonyms of Prohibit

approve, endorse, sanction, authorize, license, warrant, abet, advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, nourish, nurture, promote, support, bid, command, order, abide, bear, brook, countenance, endure, tolerate

Word Forms of Prohibit

Inflections: prohibited, prohibiting, prohibits

Origin & Etymology of Prohibit

Middle English, from Latin prohibitus, past participle of prohibēre to keep off, from pro- forward + habēre to hold pro-, give

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Prohibit

Frequently Asked Questions about Prohibit

What does "Prohibit" mean?

"Prohibit" means to forbid by authority, enjoin. As a verb, it is defined as: to forbid by authority, enjoin.

What is another word for "Prohibit"?

Other words for "Prohibit" include ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw and proscribe. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Prohibit" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Prohibit"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Prohibit". Common alternatives include ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw and proscribe.

What is the opposite of "Prohibit"?

Antonyms of "Prohibit" include allow, let, permit and suffer. Near antonyms include approve, endorse, sanction and authorize.

How do you use "Prohibit" in a sentence?

Examples of "Prohibit" in a sentence: "the city prohibits swimming in the lake after dark".

Is "Prohibit" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Prohibit" is a verb.

Is "Prohibit" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Prohibit" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Prohibit"?

"Prohibit" is pronounced /prō-ˈhi-bət/ and divided into syllables as pro·hib·it.