prohibit
To prohibit something means to say that it is not allowed.
Explanation at your level:
When you see a sign that says 'No smoking,' it means smoking is prohibited. It is a formal word for 'not allowed.' You use it when there is a rule. Teachers might say, 'Running is prohibited in the classroom.' It is a very useful word for understanding signs and rules at school or work.
Prohibit is a verb that means to stop people from doing something by making a rule. If a park has a sign that says 'Feeding the ducks is prohibited,' you must not feed them. It is more formal than saying 'don't do it.' You will see this word on signs in cities, at airports, and in libraries.
Using prohibit helps you sound more professional. It is commonly used in business or legal situations. For example, 'The company policy prohibits employees from sharing passwords.' It is often used in the passive voice, such as 'Smoking is prohibited.' Remember to use the structure 'prohibit someone from doing something' to be grammatically correct.
The word prohibit carries a sense of authority. When you use it, you are referring to an established rule or law. It is frequently used in collocations like 'strictly prohibited.' In a professional setting, saying 'This action is prohibited' is much more effective than 'You can't do this.' It is a standard term in policy documents and safety manuals.
At the C1 level, you should recognize that prohibit can be used to describe abstract limitations, not just physical ones. For example, 'The high cost of the equipment prohibited further research.' Here, it means that the cost acted as a barrier. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between simple 'banning' and complex 'impediment.' Its formal register makes it perfect for academic essays and high-level business correspondence.
Mastering prohibit involves understanding its nuance in legal and historical contexts. It is distinct from 'forbid' in that 'forbid' is often personal, while 'prohibit' is institutional. Historically, it stems from the Latin prohibere, and its usage remains rooted in the concept of external constraint. In advanced discourse, you might encounter it in discussions regarding civil liberties or regulatory frameworks. Understanding the subtle difference between 'prohibit,' 'ban,' 'veto,' and 'interdict' will allow you to choose the most precise word for any formal scenario.
الكلمة في 30 ثانية
- Prohibit is a formal verb meaning to forbid.
- It is usually used in legal or official contexts.
- The structure is 'prohibit someone from doing something'.
- The noun form is prohibition.
When you prohibit something, you are essentially drawing a line in the sand. It is a formal way of saying 'this is not allowed.' Unlike a simple 'no,' using the word prohibit suggests that there is an official rule, law, or authority backing up that restriction.
Think of it as the heavy-duty version of 'forbid.' You might tell a friend not to touch your phone, but a government agency prohibits the dumping of chemicals into a river. It is about maintaining order and safety through clear, established boundaries.
You will see this word on signs, in legal documents, and in company handbooks. It is a serious word that carries weight, so use it when you want to sound firm and official about a restriction.
The word prohibit has a fascinating journey through time. It comes from the Latin word prohibere, which is a combination of pro- (meaning 'in front of' or 'before') and habere (meaning 'to hold' or 'to have').
Originally, it meant to 'hold back' or 'keep away.' Imagine someone physically standing in front of you to stop you from moving forward—that is the literal sense of the word. Over centuries, it evolved from a physical act of blocking someone to the abstract concept of legal or social restriction.
It entered Middle English via Old French in the 14th century, maintaining its formal tone throughout its history. It is a classic example of how Latin roots continue to shape our modern, professional vocabulary today.
In English, prohibit is almost always used in formal or neutral contexts. You wouldn't typically use it when talking to your best friend about a movie; you would use it when discussing policies or laws.
Common collocations include strictly prohibited, which is a very common phrase on warning signs. You will also see it paired with nouns like access, activity, or substances. For example, 'The school prohibits the use of cell phones during exams.'
Remember that prohibit is a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object. You prohibit *something* or you prohibit *someone from doing something*. Getting that grammar right makes you sound much more fluent!
While prohibit itself is a formal verb, it is often associated with concepts that have their own idioms. Here are some related expressions:
- Off-limits: Meaning restricted or prohibited. 'The kitchen is off-limits to students.'
- Out of bounds: Often used in sports, but means prohibited territory. 'That topic is out of bounds for this meeting.'
- Red tape: Refers to the excessive regulations that often prohibit progress. 'We are stuck in red tape.'
- Under wraps: Something that is kept secret, often because it is prohibited to share. 'Keep the new plan under wraps.'
- Forbidden fruit: Something that is prohibited but therefore more tempting. 'He couldn't resist the forbidden fruit.'
The word prohibit is a verb. Its past tense is prohibited, and its present participle is prohibiting. The noun form is prohibition.
Pronunciation is key: it is pronounced /prəˈhɪbɪt/. The stress is on the second syllable (hɪb). A common mistake is to stress the first syllable, which sounds unnatural to native speakers.
It rhymes with words like inhibit, exhibit, and habit (though habit has a different stress). Remember the pattern: prohibit someone from doing something. This is the most common grammatical structure you will use in professional writing.
Fun Fact
The word 'prohibition' is famous for the era in US history (1920-1933) when alcohol was illegal.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'i' sounds, stress on the second syllable.
Slightly more rounded 'o' at the start, same stress.
Common Errors
- Stressing the first syllable
- Swallowing the final 't'
- Mispronouncing the 'i' as 'e'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context.
Requires attention to preposition usage.
Formal register can be tricky.
Clear pronunciation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
متقدم
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verbs
Prohibit requires an object.
Passive Voice
Smoking is prohibited.
Gerunds after Prepositions
Prohibit from doing.
Examples by Level
Smoking is prohibited here.
Smoking is not allowed here.
Passive voice
Dogs are prohibited in the shop.
Dogs are not allowed in the shop.
Passive voice
Running is prohibited.
Running is not allowed.
Passive voice
Photos are prohibited.
Taking photos is not allowed.
Passive voice
Loud music is prohibited.
Loud music is not allowed.
Passive voice
The rule prohibits running.
The rule says no running.
Active voice
Is this prohibited?
Is this not allowed?
Question form
They prohibit games.
They do not allow games.
Active voice
The law prohibits driving without a license.
Our school prohibits the use of phones.
The sign says that diving is prohibited.
Many countries prohibit the sale of alcohol to minors.
The park prohibits camping overnight.
The library prohibits loud conversations.
The contract prohibits sharing private information.
The city prohibits littering in public areas.
The new policy prohibits employees from using social media at work.
The government prohibits the import of these goods.
Strict safety rules prohibit access to the construction site.
The regulations prohibit the use of chemical fertilizers.
The club prohibits members from bringing guests.
The constitution prohibits discrimination based on race.
The local council prohibits parking on this street.
The agreement prohibits the disclosure of trade secrets.
The terms of service prohibit the unauthorized reproduction of this content.
The judge issued an order to prohibit further contact between the parties.
Environmental laws prohibit the discharge of waste into the ocean.
The school board voted to prohibit the distribution of flyers.
The security protocol prohibits the use of external drives.
International treaties prohibit the use of biological weapons.
The zoning laws prohibit the construction of high-rise buildings.
The company policy prohibits nepotism in hiring practices.
Financial constraints prohibited the expansion of the project.
The weather conditions prohibited the plane from taking off.
His injury prohibited him from participating in the championship.
The lack of evidence prohibited the jury from reaching a verdict.
The existing legislation prohibits the state from interfering.
The sheer volume of traffic prohibited efficient travel.
The doctor's advice prohibited him from strenuous exercise.
The rigid structure of the system prohibited any creative input.
The fundamental principles of the organization prohibit any form of coercion.
The restrictive clauses in the contract effectively prohibit competition.
The prevailing social norms prohibited such behavior at the time.
The inherent dangers of the procedure prohibit its routine use.
The administrative guidelines prohibit the disclosure of classified data.
The court's injunction serves to prohibit the sale of the property.
The moral code of the community prohibits such transgressions.
The technological limitations of the era prohibited such advanced analysis.
تلازمات شائعة
Idioms & Expressions
"Forbidden fruit"
Something that is prohibited but tempting.
He knew the game was off-limits, but it was forbidden fruit.
literary"Off-limits"
Not allowed to be entered or used.
The basement is off-limits.
casual"Out of bounds"
Outside the allowed area or topic.
Your personal questions are out of bounds.
neutral"Red tape"
Bureaucracy that prohibits progress.
We spent hours cutting through red tape.
idiomatic"Under lock and key"
Kept securely, effectively prohibiting access.
The documents are under lock and key.
neutral"No-go zone"
An area where entry is prohibited.
That part of town is a no-go zone.
casualEasily Confused
Similar sound and spelling.
Inhibit means to hinder or slow down, not necessarily 'ban'.
Fear inhibited his performance.
Similar ending.
Exhibit means to show or display.
The museum will exhibit the painting.
Adjective form.
Prohibitive describes a cost or barrier, not the act of banning.
The cost was prohibitive.
Same meaning.
Forbid is more personal and less formal.
I forbid you to go.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + prohibit + object
The law prohibits smoking.
Subject + prohibit + object + from + -ing
The rules prohibit us from running.
Passive: Object + is prohibited
Parking is prohibited.
Subject + prohibit + someone + from + noun
The guard prohibited him from entry.
It + is + prohibited + to + verb
It is prohibited to enter.
عائلة الكلمة
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
7/10
Formality Scale
أخطاء شائعة
The correct preposition is 'from' followed by the gerund (-ing).
Same as above; 'to' is incorrect.
Use the object + from + gerund structure.
The stress is on the second syllable.
Prohibit is too formal for casual requests.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant 'PRO' (professional) holding a 'HIBIT' (a shield) to block you.
When Native Speakers Use It
When they want to sound serious about a rule.
Cultural Insight
Associated with the 1920s US Prohibition era.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: Prohibit + from + -ing.
Say It Right
Stress the middle syllable: pro-HIB-it.
Don't Make This Mistake
Never say 'prohibit to'.
Did You Know?
It comes from Latin 'prohibere'.
Study Smart
Look for the word on signs in your city.
Contextual Learning
Read your company's handbook for examples.
Rhyme Time
Rhymes with inhibit.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Pro-HIBIT: Think of a 'PRO' who 'HIBITS' (hides) things away so you can't have them.
Visual Association
A large red stop sign with the word PROHIBIT written on it.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Write three sentences about things that are prohibited in your country.
أصل الكلمة
Latin
Original meaning: To hold back or keep away
السياق الثقافي
None, but can sound harsh if used in personal relationships.
Used heavily in legal, corporate, and public safety contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Policy prohibits
- Strictly prohibited
- Prohibit access
At school
- Prohibited items
- Rules prohibit
- Prohibit behavior
Legal/Public
- Prohibited by law
- Prohibit activity
- Prohibit sale
Travel
- Prohibited substances
- Entry prohibited
- Prohibit photography
Conversation Starters
"What is one thing that should be prohibited in schools?"
"Why do you think some things are prohibited by law?"
"Have you ever seen a sign that said something was prohibited?"
"Do you think the word 'prohibit' sounds too formal?"
"What is a common rule in your country that prohibits certain behaviors?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a rule you disagree with and why it should not be prohibited.
Describe a place where many things are prohibited.
How does the word 'prohibit' change the tone of a sentence compared to 'don't'?
Reflect on a time you were prohibited from doing something.
الأسئلة الشائعة
8 أسئلةThey are very similar, but 'prohibit' is slightly more formal.
It sounds very formal; 'not allowed' is better for friends.
Prohibition.
pro-HIB-it.
Yes, it follows regular conjugation (prohibited).
Yes, it is a transitive verb.
No, always use 'prohibit from doing'.
Yes, very common in formal writing.
اختبر نفسك
Smoking is ___ in the building.
Prohibited is the correct term for a rule.
Which means 'not allowed'?
Prohibit means not allowed.
Prohibit is a noun.
It is a verb.
Word
المعنى
Matching synonyms and antonyms.
Smoking is prohibited here.
النتيجة: /5
Summary
Prohibit is the formal way to say 'not allowed' when backed by a rule or law.
- Prohibit is a formal verb meaning to forbid.
- It is usually used in legal or official contexts.
- The structure is 'prohibit someone from doing something'.
- The noun form is prohibition.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant 'PRO' (professional) holding a 'HIBIT' (a shield) to block you.
When Native Speakers Use It
When they want to sound serious about a rule.
Cultural Insight
Associated with the 1920s US Prohibition era.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: Prohibit + from + -ing.
مثال
The sign says they prohibit pets in this park.
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