prohibit

[proh-hib-it] / proʊˈhɪb ɪt /

VERB

make impossible; stop

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ban block constrain enjoin forbid freeze halt hinder impede inhibit outlaw preclude prevent proscribe restrain restrict rule out

STRONG

cool cork debar disallow forfend hamper interdict kill nix obstruct spike stymie taboo veto

WEAK

bottle up box in bring to screeching halt gridlock hang up hold up jam up keep lid on lock up pass on put a lock on put a stopper in put chill on put down put half nelson on shut out throw cold water on tie up zing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow approve assist continue facilitate forward free help include let go permit push release support

STRONG

encourage promote

WEAK

favor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

House rules prohibit relationships between lawmakers and their staff.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

"Our policies firmly prohibit any kind of child exploitation and we have extensive safety systems in place to help prevent user-to-user image sharing, limit chat for younger users, and block the sharing of personal information."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

For surveillance pay specifically, the bill would prohibit companies from using workers’ personal data — without their consent — to determine what they’re paid.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

California’s existing ethics rules prohibit officials from having a financial interest in any governmental decision that they make, influence or participate in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

For more about forbid and prohibit, see pages 114 and 116.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Vocabulary lists containing prohibit

The Bill of Rights

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List 14

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The First Amendment of the US Constitution

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