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.

House rules prohibit relationships between lawmakers and their staff.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Ingle also said that all federal employees are subject to government ethics guidelines that prohibit the use of insider information for financial gain.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The activists are securing signatures for a petition hoping to amend Ohio’s constitution to prohibit medium-to-large data centers over 25 megawatts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The Geneva Conventions governing the laws of war, agreed following World War II, prohibit destruction of "objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population."

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

She also pointed out that the federal rights established by the Fourteenth Amendment took precedence over states’ rights, arguing that the states could not prohibit women from voting.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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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