Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Prohibit: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：formally forbid (prohibit)

prohibit 🔊

/prəˈhɪbɪt/

To formally and officially not allow something, usually by law or rule.

Prohibit definition illustrated by an official document with a red PROHIBITED stamp.

formally forbid 🔊

➕

/ˈfɔːməli fəˈbɪd/

To forbid something officially and authoritatively, typically through a law, regulation, or decree.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin ‘prohibēre’ (pro- ‘in front, before’ + habēre ‘to hold’), meaning ‘to hold back, restrain’.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a huge sign saying 'PRO' standing in front (PRO-) of something, HOLDING (HIBIT from 'habēre') it back. This PRO-HOLDing action means to forbid.

📖 Example

Many countries have laws that prohibit the hunting of endangered animals to protect them. 🔊 Many countries have laws that formally forbid the hunting of endangered animals to protect them.

🔗 Collocations

prohibit the use of – to officially disallow the employment of something

prohibit the sale – to formally forbid the act of selling something

prohibit the import – to officially disallow bringing goods into a country

🔄 Synonyms

ban (v.) – to officially or legally forbid something

forbid (v.) – to order someone not to do something or to state that something is not allowed

outlaw (v.) – to make something illegal by passing a law against it

🚫 Antonyms

permit (v.) – to give official authorization or consent for something

allow (v.) – to give someone permission to do something

authorize (v.) – to give official permission for something to happen

🌱 Derivatives

prohibition (n.) – the action of forbidding something, especially by law

📖 Cultural Story

The word comes from Latin ‘prohibēre’, used in Roman law to denote a formal interdiction. This sense of legal or authoritative forbidding has remained central to its meaning as it evolved through Old French into English.

Meaning 2：restrict by rule (prohibit)

prohibit 🔊

/prəˈhɪbɪt/

To use rules to strictly stop a particular action in a specific place or situation.

Prohibit meaning shown by a no smoking sign with a red circle and line.

restrict by rule 🔊

➕

/rɪˈstrɪkt baɪ ruːl/

To use established rules to strictly prevent a specific action from occurring within a particular context or location.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The school rules clearly prohibit students from using mobile phones during class. 🔊 The school rules clearly restrict students from using mobile phones during class.

🔗 Collocations

prohibit smoking – to formally forbid the act of smoking in an area

prohibit driving – to officially disallow the operation of vehicles

prohibit parking – to place a restriction on leaving vehicles in a specific area

🔄 Synonyms

bar (v.) – to prevent or forbid an action or entry

restrict (v.) – to put a limit on; to keep under control

disallow (v.) – to refuse to allow or accept something

🚫 Antonyms

permit (v.) – to authorize or make possible

allow (v.) – to let someone do something; to not prevent

tolerate (v.) – to allow the existence or practice of something without interference