interdiction
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
An authoritative prohibition, especially an official order that forbids something.
1) In military contexts, an action to impede or destroy an enemy's military potential before it can be used effectively. 2) The act of forbidding or stopping something by authority.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in legal, military, and formal administrative contexts. Can imply not just a simple ban but a systematic effort to prevent an activity or flow of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage meaning is consistent. In UK, 'interdict' (noun/verb) is more commonly found in Scots law (a court order) than in general US usage.
Connotations
In US military jargon, 'interdiction' is a standard technical term for operations targeting enemy logistics and reinforcements. In UK, it retains a stronger formal/legal feel outside military contexts.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English, primarily due to common military and law enforcement usage (e.g., 'drug interdiction').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
interdiction of [noun phrase] (e.g., interdiction of arms shipments)interdiction against [noun phrase/gerund] (e.g., interdiction against trading)impose an interdiction on [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in 'trade interdiction' meaning an embargo.
Academic
Used in law, political science, military history, and international relations.
Everyday
Very rare. Formal synonym for 'ban'.
Technical
Core term in military strategy (e.g., 'air interdiction'), law enforcement ('border interdiction'), and some legal systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The court may interdict the publication of sensitive material.
- He was interdicted from approaching the premises.
American English
- Coast Guard vessels interdict drug shipments in the Caribbean.
- The law interdicts any trade with the sanctioned regime.
adverb
British English
- (No common adverbial form. 'Prohibitively' would be used.)
American English
- (No common adverbial form. 'Prohibitively' would be used.)
adjective
British English
- An interdictory order was issued by the judge.
- (Note: 'interdictory' is rare; 'prohibitory' preferred.)
American English
- The squadron carried out interdictory strikes on supply lines.
- (Note: 'interdictory' is primarily military jargon.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The government announced an interdiction on all flights from the region.
- There is an interdiction against swimming in the lake.
- The UN security council voted to lift the arms interdiction.
- Maritime interdiction efforts significantly reduced pirate attacks.
- The success of the campaign hinged on the effective interdiction of enemy supply routes.
- A legal interdiction was placed on the company's assets pending investigation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: INTER (between) + DICTION (speaking). Imagine an authority 'speaking between' you and an action to forbid it.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A BARRIER (interdiction creates a barrier to an activity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'междусловие' (interjection).
- It is not a general 'запрет' but a formal/official one, often systematic. Closer to 'запрещение' or 'эмбарго'.
- The verb 'to interdict' is not commonly used; 'to ban' or 'to prohibit' is preferred in general contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'interdiction' for a simple, informal ban (too formal).
- Misspelling as 'interduction'.
- Confusing with 'interjection' (a part of speech).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'interdiction' most precisely and commonly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal word used primarily in legal, military, and official contexts. In everyday speech, 'ban' or 'prohibition' is more common.
An 'interdiction' is an order that forbids something. A 'sanction' can be either a penalty for breaking a rule OR (often plural) official permission/approval. 'Sanctions' (plural) often involve interdictions (e.g., trade interdictions) as part of the penalty.
The verb form is 'to interdict', but it is much less common than the noun 'interdiction'. It is used in formal and technical writing.
There is no common agent noun (like 'prohibitor'). One would say 'the authorities who imposed the interdiction' or, in a military context, an 'interdiction force' or 'interdiction unit'.
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