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prohibit

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /prəˈhɪbɪt/

KK: /prəˈhɪbɪt/

transitive verb
Definition

To officially say that something is not allowed or to stop someone from doing something.


Example

The school will prohibit students from using their phones during class.


Tense Forms

Past: prohibited

Past Participle: prohibited


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that they prohibit pets in the new cafe downtown?
Sloth B
Yeah, I saw that on their website. That's a bummer!
Sloth A
I guess they want to keep the place clean and quiet.
Sloth B
True, but it would be nice to have a dog-friendly spot.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
forbid
ban
restrict
Antonyms
allow
permit
enable
Root Explanation

Prohibit → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning before or in favor of) and "habere" (meaning to have or hold). The word means to hold something back or prevent it from happening.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'held back' ('habere') before it can happen ('pro-'). This helps you remember that to prohibit means to prevent something.

Visually Confused Words
reprohibit
unprohibited
probity
cohibit
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