prohibit

To prohibit something means to officially forbid it—to say it's not allowed. Think of signs that say "No Smoking" or "Do Not Enter." Those signs prohibit those actions. It's stronger than simply discouraging; prohibition carries the weight of a rule, policy, or law. A school might prohibit cell phone use during class, and laws often prohibit dangerous activities like driving under the influence. You can also prohibit someone from doing something—for example, "The judge prohibited him from contacting the witness."

Imagine a grand castle with towering walls and a strict gatekeeper. That gatekeeper has the power to prohibit entry—to officially forbid anyone from passing through. This is at the heart of what "prohibit" means: to formally outlaw or prevent something from happening, often by rule, law, or authority.

The word comes from the Latin prohibere, meaning "to hold before"—as if placing an obstacle in someone's path. It is more than just saying "no"; it implies a level of official power or control.

You might hear about governments prohibiting certain goods (like illegal drugs), companies prohibiting specific behaviors by their employees, or even parents prohibiting their children from staying out late. Common examples include: "The new regulations prohibit the use of plastic bags," or "The contract prohibits subletting the apartment."

Prohibit is frequently used with the word "from" followed by a gerund (an -ing verb) to show who is being prevented from doing something: "They were prohibited from attending the concert," or "The rules prohibit us from bringing outside food."

So, when you encounter the word "prohibit," think of a firm boundary, a clear rule, and a formal declaration that something is not allowed. It's about setting limits and enforcing restrictions—like a castle gatekeeper guarding against unwanted entry.