prohibition

Everyday

1. A prohibition is a rule or law that says something is not allowed. tree →
2. Prohibition is the act of banning something. tree →
3. (history, US) Prohibition was the time when making and selling alcohol was against the law in the United States. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety signs: no-entry, no-smoking signs show prohibitions (often a red circle with a line). In history lessons it is about the US ban on alcohol. In formal writing «a prohibition on» means a ban on.

Examples

• There is a prohibition on smoking in the school. tree →
• A red circle with a line is a prohibition sign. tree →
• The prohibition of mobile phones in exams is strict. tree →
• During Prohibition, alcohol was illegal in the USA. tree →
• The council lifted the prohibition on dogs in the park. tree →
• Some foods have a prohibition in certain religions. tree →
• The sign shows a prohibition on cycling. tree →
• (formal) There is a prohibition against running near the pool. tree →

Note

«Prohibition on/against something». Capital P for the US historical period. Verb: prohibit; adjective: prohibited. In safety signs: red = prohibition, yellow = warning, blue = must do, green = safe.