prohibit
gb/pɹoʊhˈɪbɪt/ us/pɹoʊhˈɪbɪt/
B2
English
~ 2600
megtilt, betilt
VERB
B2
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
to prohibit [someone] from [doing something]
The new law will prohibit the sale of alcohol after midnight.
Az új törvény meg fogja tiltani az alkohol árusítását éjfél után.
Most schools prohibit students from using mobile phones during class.
A legtöbb iskola megtiltja a diákoknak, hogy óra közben mobiltelefont használjanak.
The park strictly prohibits feeding the animals.
Our company policy prohibits smoking inside the building.
Learner examples
The school prohibits running in the hall.
Az iskola megtiltja, hogy a folyosón fussanak.
This city prohibits parking here.
Ebben a városban itt tilos parkolni.
My parents prohibit me from staying out late.
They prohibit smoking in restaurants.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'prohibit' with 'prevent'. 'Prohibit' means to make something illegal or against the rules, while 'prevent' means to stop something from happening physically or practically.
Meaning
Formally forbid by law or rules
Collocations
strictly prohibit
|legally prohibit
|prohibit smoking
|prohibit entry
|prohibit use
Synonyms
forbid (More common in everyday English; can be less formal than 'prohibit'.)
|
ban (Often used in public or media contexts; may sound stronger and more absolute.)
Antonyms
permit (Means to allow something, the direct opposite of prohibit.)
|
authorize (To give official permission, opposite of official prohibition.)
Themes
law
|rules
|government
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To say that something is not allowed by law or rule.
To formally forbid something by law, rule, or other authority.
Grammar
Dictionary form
prohibit
IPA
GB/pɹoʊhˈɪbɪt/
US/pɹoʊhˈɪbɪt/
Syllables & stress
pro - hib - it (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (hib)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: prohibit
- 3rd Person Singular: prohibits
- Present Participle: prohibiting
- Past: prohibited
Word family
Forms
prohibits
verb
prohibiting
verb
prohibited
verb
Core family
prohibition
noun B2
prohibitive
adjective C1
Related words
prohibitively
adverb C1
Advanced or less common
prohibitory
adjective
prohibitionist
noun
Expressions
prohibit by law
1/pɹoʊhˈɪbɪt bˈaɪ lˈɔ/
fixed phrase
formal
Make illegal by legislation
To make something illegal using official laws.
Examples
- Selling these products is prohibited by law.
- The act prohibits discrimination by law.
prohibit from doing
1/pɹoʊhˈɪbɪt fɹˈʌm dˈuɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
Officially forbid someone from doing
To say that a person is not allowed to do something by rule or law.
Examples
- The rules prohibit employees from accepting gifts from clients.
- His criminal record prohibits him from owning a firearm.
strictly prohibit
1/stɹˈɪktli pɹoʊhˈɪbɪt/
fixed phrase
formal
Firmly and completely forbid
To say very clearly that something is not allowed at all.
Examples
- The facility strictly prohibits the use of cameras.
- Our terms strictly prohibit sharing your password.