Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having the effect of forbidding or preventing something: "Prohibitory" describes something that serves to prohibit, forbid, or make an action or activity impossible or very difficult, often by making it too expensive or by imposing legal restrictions.
   • Intended to discourage or suppress: It can refer to measures, rules, or conditions designed to actively discourage a particular behavior or action.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The government imposed prohibitory tariffs on imported goods to protect local industries. (This describes tariffs intended to forbid or severely limit imports.)
  • The cost of the specialized equipment was prohibitory for the small startup. (This indicates a price so high it prevents purchase.)
  • A prohibitory injunction was issued to stop the construction project. (This refers to a legal order that forbids an action.)

Advanced Usage

• "Prohibitory in nature": Describes something whose fundamental characteristic is to forbid or prevent.

  • The new regulations are prohibitory in nature, aiming to eliminate the practice entirely.

• "Prohibitory effect": The resulting impact of something that forbids or prevents.

  • The law had a prohibitory effect on the sale of the substance.

Variants and Related Words

• Prohibit (verb): To formally forbid by law, rule, or other authority.

  • The sign prohibits parking on this street.

• Prohibition (noun): The act of forbidding something by law or an authoritative order; a law or regulation that forbids something.

  • The prohibition of smoking in public buildings.

• Prohibitive (adjective): Very similar in meaning to "prohibitory," often used interchangeably. It frequently emphasizes a cost so high it prevents purchase or an action.

  • The prohibitive cost of housing in the city.

Synonyms

• Forbidding: Commanding against something.
• Restrictive: Imposing limitations or restrictions.
• Preventive: Designed to prevent something from happening.
• Suppressive: Tending to suppress or put an end to something.

Antonyms

• Permissive: Allowing or characterized by freedom of behavior.
• Encouraging: Giving support, confidence, or hope.
• Facilitative: Making an action or process easier.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Prohibitory order: A legal command from a court that requires a party to refrain from a specific act.

  • The judge issued a prohibitory order against the company releasing the data.

• Prohibitory clause: A section in a contract or law that forbids certain actions.

  • The lease contained a prohibitory clause against keeping pets.

Adjective

1. tending to discourage (especially of prices)
   • the price was prohibitive