prohibit
B2formal
Definition
Meaning
to formally forbid something by law, rule, or authority
to prevent or make impossible; to officially disallow an action or activity
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies an official or authoritative ban, often with legal consequences. Stronger than 'forbid' in formal contexts. Typically used with actions rather than objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word identically in formal contexts.
Connotations
Equally formal and authoritative in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American legal and regulatory contexts, but essentially equivalent frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
prohibit + noun/gerundprohibit + object + from + gerundbe prohibited + from + gerundVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “prohibit with extreme prejudice (legal/jargon)”
- “prohibit under penalty of law”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Company policy prohibits employees from using personal email for client communication.
Academic
The research ethics committee prohibits studies involving undue psychological risk.
Everyday
The sign prohibits parking here on weekdays.
Technical
The software license prohibits reverse engineering of the code.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The university prohibits cycling on the footpaths.
- Local bylaws prohibit bonfires after 8 PM.
American English
- State law prohibits texting while driving.
- The contract prohibits disclosure of trade secrets.
adverb
British English
- The area is prohibitively expensive for most families.
- The rules were prohibitively complex.
American English
- The cost is prohibitively high for small businesses.
- The regulations are prohibitively restrictive.
adjective
British English
- Smoking is prohibited throughout the building.
- The prohibited items list includes sharp objects.
American English
- Parking is prohibited on this street overnight.
- Prohibited substances were found in the shipment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The school prohibits mobile phones in class.
- The sign says 'Swimming prohibited'.
- The new law prohibits smoking in all public parks.
- They prohibit visitors from taking photos in the museum.
- International treaties prohibit the use of chemical weapons.
- The agreement prohibits either party from hiring the other's employees.
- The zoning regulations prohibit commercial development in residential areas.
- The court ruling prohibits the publication of the confidential documents.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PROfessional HIBIT (habit) - a professional rule that stops a bad habit.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY AS BARRIER (laws/ rules create barriers to action)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'предотвращать' (prevent) - prohibit is about rules, not physical prevention.
- Don't use 'запрещать' for all contexts - 'prohibit' is more formal than general запрещать.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'prohibit to do' instead of 'prohibit from doing'
- Using in informal contexts where 'ban' or 'forbid' would be more natural
- Confusing with 'inhibit' (which means to restrain or hold back)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'prohibit' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Prohibit' is more formal and often implies an official rule or law, while 'forbid' can be more personal or general. 'Prohibit' typically requires 'from + gerund' while 'forbid' can use 'to + infinitive'.
Yes, frequently. Example: 'Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings.' The passive construction 'be prohibited from doing something' is very common.
Primarily, yes. It implies authority behind the ban. While occasionally used metaphorically ('High costs prohibit travel'), it typically retains its formal, authoritative connotation.
Almost always 'from' when followed by a verb: 'prohibit someone from doing something'. When followed by a noun alone, no preposition is needed: 'prohibit smoking'.