Definition

Adjective: 1. Formally forbidden by law, rule, or authority: Something that is prohibited is not allowed; it is banned or made illegal by an official decree or regulation. 2. Excluded from use or mention; considered unacceptable: Something that is prohibited is deemed improper or forbidden within a specific social or cultural context.

Usage

The word "prohibited" is used to describe an action, item, or behavior that is expressly not permitted. It is a formal term often found in legal, official, or regulatory contexts. It describes a state of being forbidden.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings. (It is against the law or rules.)
  • The import of these goods is prohibited by international treaty. (It is banned by a formal agreement.)
  • The teacher listed the prohibited items that students could not bring to the exam. (The items are not allowed.)
  • In their culture, discussing personal wealth was a prohibited topic at dinner. (It was considered socially unacceptable to mention.)

Advanced Usage

• "strictly prohibited": Emphasizes that something is absolutely and without exception forbidden.
  • Unauthorized access to the server room is strictly prohibited.
• "expressly prohibited": Indicates something is forbidden by explicit statement.
  • The contract expressly prohibited the sharing of confidential information.

Variants and Related Words

• Prohibit (verb): To formally forbid something by law, rule, or other authority.
  • The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race.
• Prohibition (noun): The act of prohibiting something, or the state of being prohibited. Often refers to a law or order that forbids something.
  • The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s was a famous period in U.S. history.

Synonyms

• Banned: Officially or legally prohibited.
• Forbidden: Not allowed; commanded against.
• Barred: Prevented or prohibited from entry or participation.
• Outlawed: Made illegal; declared to be against the law.
• Taboo: Prohibited or restricted by social or cultural custom.

Antonyms

• Permitted: Allowed.
• Allowed: Given permission for.
• Authorized: Officially permitted or empowered.
• Legal: Recognized or allowed by law.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Off limits": An area or topic that is prohibited from access or discussion. This phrase is a common synonym in informal contexts.
  • The construction site is off limits to the public.
• "Verboten": A word borrowed from German, used in English to mean "forbidden" or "prohibited," often with a slightly formal or emphatic tone.
  • Any criticism of the leadership was strictly verboten.

Adjective

1. forbidden by law
2. excluded from use or mention
   • forbidden fruit
   • in our house dancing and playing cards were out
   • a taboo subject