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Prohibitive Definition: High Cost & Prohibition Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：extremely expensive (prohibitive)
prohibitive
/prəˈhɪbɪtɪv/
adj.
Used to describe a price or cost so high that it stops people from buying or using something.
extremely expensive
➕
/ɪkˈstriːmli ɪkˈspensɪv/
adj.
Describes a price or cost that is so high that it effectively prevents people from purchasing or using the item or service.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin prohibēre (pro- 'away' + habēre 'to hold'), meaning 'to hold away' or 'prevent'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'prohibit' + 'ive' = a price that acts like a 'No Entry' sign for your wallet.
📖 Example
The ticket prices for that concert are prohibitive; they're asking for 5000 yuan each!
The ticket prices for that concert are prohibitive; they're asking for 5000 yuan each!
🔗 Collocations
prohibitive cost – a cost that is too high to be acceptable
prohibitive price – a price that prevents purchase
prohibitive expense – an expense that is unreasonably large
🔄 Synonyms
exorbitant (adj.) – Describes a price or requirement that is unreasonably high.
astronomical (adj.) – Extremely high, especially in reference to a price or number.
outrageous (adj.) – Shockingly bad or excessive; in this context, a price that is extremely high.
🚫 Antonyms
affordable (adj.) – Cheap enough for people to buy.
reasonable (adj.) – Fair and sensible in price.
inexpensive (adj.) – Low in price.
🌱 Derivatives
prohibit (v.) – To formally forbid something.
prohibition (n.) – The action of forbidding something; a law or rule that forbids something.
prohibitory (adj.) – Tending to forbid; serving to prohibit.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin prohibēre, composed of pro- (away) and habēre (to hold). Entered English in the 16th century as a legal term, later extended to describe costs that effectively prevent purchase.
Meaning 2：serving to forbid (prohibitive)
prohibitive
/prəˈhɪbɪtɪv/
adj.
Serving to forbid or prevent something from happening; having the effect of excluding people.
serving to forbid
➕
/ˈsɜːvɪŋ tuː fərˈbɪd/
adj.
Having the effect of forbidding or preventing something; acting as a prohibition.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The museum has a prohibitive policy against taking photos in the main exhibition hall.
The museum has a prohibitive policy against taking photos in the main exhibition hall.
🔗 Collocations
prohibitive measure – a rule or action that forbids something
prohibitive rule – a regulation that strictly prevents certain behavior
prohibitive law – a law that bans an activity or item
🔄 Synonyms
restrictive (adj.) – Limiting or controlling something.
forbidding (adj.) – Unfriendly or threatening; also, serving to forbid.
preventive (adj.) – Designed to keep something from happening.
🚫 Antonyms
permissive (adj.) – Allowing something; not strict.
lenient (adj.) – Not strict; allowing more freedom.
🌱 Derivatives
prohibit (v.) – To formally forbid something.
prohibition (n.) – The action of forbidding something; a law or rule that forbids something.
prohibitory (adj.) – Tending to forbid; serving to prohibit.
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