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.

And lockup periods that prohibit early investors and employees from selling shares will expire, probably flooding the market with shares.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Government ethics guidelines prohibit employees from using nonpublic information for financial benefit, said White House spokesman Davis Ingle.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

It already has laws that prohibit the dispensation of abortion pills.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

Kefalogianni insisted Greece was not breaching EU rules, which currently allow EES checks to be suspended briefly when airports become very congested, but prohibit blanket exemptions for citizens of a particular country.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Laws strictly prohibit citizens from traveling between cities without proper authorization.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

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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