Ban Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：prohibit (ban)

ban 🔊

/bæn/

vt.

To officially and formally not allow something.

prohibit 🔊

➕

/prəˈhɪbɪt/

vt.

To officially and formally not allow something, often through a rule, law, or authority.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'bannan' (to proclaim, curse), evolving to mean 'to formally forbid'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'ban' as a 'bar' that is placed in front of an action to stop it.

📖 Example

The school decided to ban students from using mobile phones during class to help them focus better. 🔊 The school decided to ban students from using mobile phones during class to help them focus better.

🔗 Collocations

ban from – to officially prevent someone from entering or doing something

ban on – an official rule that prohibits something

lifting a ban – the act of removing a prohibition

🔄 Synonyms

prohibit (vt.) – To formally forbid something by law or rule.

forbid (vt.) – To order someone not to do something, typically in a strong or official manner.

outlaw (vt.) – To make something illegal or prohibited by law.

🚫 Antonyms

allow (vt.) – To permit or give permission for something.

permit (vt.) – To officially allow something to happen.

authorize (vt.) – To give official permission or approval for something.

🌱 Derivatives

banned (adj.) – Officially prohibited or forbidden.

banning (n.) – The act of prohibiting something.

banishment (n.) – The act of sending someone away or excluding them, often as a punishment.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Old English 'bannan' (to summon or curse), the word 'ban' came to mean 'to forbid by decree'. It appears in legal terms like 'banning orders' and 'banned substances'.