prohibit

Everyday

1. (formal) To officially forbid something by a rule or law: Smoking is prohibited. tree →
2. To make something impossible; to prevent: The cost prohibits us from going. tree →

In the lessons

In safety and everyday life signs say «Swimming prohibited», «No entry — prohibited», «Prohibited items» at airports. In school rules: phones are prohibited during exams. Formal exam and notice voice; children say «not allowed» or «banned». Phrases: «prohibited from», «strictly prohibited», «prohibited items».

Examples

• Swimming is prohibited in this lake. tree →
• Phones are prohibited during the exam. tree →
• The law prohibits selling fireworks to children. tree →
• Dogs are prohibited from the playground. tree →
• Running by the pool is strictly prohibited. tree →
• Knives are prohibited items on a plane. tree →
• The high price prohibited us from buying it. tree →

Note

Regular verb: prohibited (one t). Pattern: «prohibit someone from doing something». Noun: prohibition. Opposite: allow, permit. Everyday words: ban, forbid, not allowed.