prohibition

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   An official rule or law that forbids something.

   Grammar: Countable: you can talk about 'a prohibition' or 'prohibitions'. Often followed by 'on' + noun/gerund.

   Patterns

   • prohibition on something
   • prohibition against something
   • prohibition of something

   The government imposed a prohibition on smoking in all public buildings.

   There is a prohibition against using mobile phones during the exam.

   The treaty includes a prohibition of chemical weapons.

2. 2noununcountable

   The act of officially forbidding something.

   Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the general action; no plural form.

   Patterns

   • the prohibition of something
   • prohibition of something

   The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s led to a rise in organized crime.

   Prohibition of child labor is now standard in most countries.

3. 3proper nounproperAmerican

   The period in the United States from 1920 to 1933 when the manufacture and sale of alcohol was illegal.

   Grammar: Capitalized as 'Prohibition' when referring to this historical era.

   Patterns

   • during Prohibition
   • under Prohibition

   Many speakeasies operated secretly during Prohibition.

   Prohibition ended in 1933 with the passage of the 21st Amendment.

Word forms

Common combinations

impose a prohibition

The city imposed a prohibition on skateboarding in the plaza.

lift a prohibition

The school lifted the prohibition on wearing hats indoors.

prohibition on smoking

There is a strict prohibition on smoking in the hospital.

prohibition against something

The law includes a prohibition against discrimination.

during Prohibition

Many people made illegal alcohol during Prohibition.

Synonyms and how they differ

ban

More common and informal; often used for specific items or activities, while 'prohibition' is more formal and often refers to laws.

embargo

Specifically a government order that restricts trade with another country; 'prohibition' is broader.

injunction

A court order requiring someone to do or stop doing something; more legal and specific than 'prohibition'.

Opposites

Word family

prohibit verb

To officially forbid something.

prohibitive adjective

Tending to discourage, especially because of high cost.

prohibited adjective

Forbidden by law or rule.

Commonly confused: prohibition or prohibition?

Practice

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