Search Dictionary
Definition of prohibit

prohibit

/proʊˈhɪb.ɪt/
pro · hib · it
Adverb:prohibitively
•
Adjective:prohibitive
•
Past Simple:prohibited
•
Past Participle:prohibited
•
Present Participle:prohibiting
JUMP TO:

prohibit Lexical Profile

prohibit Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To formally forbid something by law, rule, or other authority.

Example

"The municipal ordinance strictly prohibits parking along the narrow residential street overnight."

2

To prevent or make an action impossible through physical or practical circumstances.

Example

"Heavy snowfall and poor visibility prohibited the research team from reaching the mountain station."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for prohibit
Antonyms
View all antonyms for prohibit

Word Nuance & Usage

When followed by an object and a verb, 'prohibit' takes the preposition 'from' plus a gerund (e.g., 'prohibited them from entering'), rather than an infinitive ('prohibited them to enter').

• Rhymes for prohibit

• Nearby Words

progressively
progressiveness
progressivism
prohibit
prohibition
prohibitionist
prohibitive

Word Origin & Etymology

Adopted in late Middle English from the Latin 'prohibitus', the past participle of 'prohibere' ('to hold back' or 'keep in check'), formed from 'pro-' ('in front of' or 'away') and 'habere' ('to hold').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Prohibit. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/prohibit
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.