ban
UK: bæn | US: bæn
n. an official or legal prohibition
vt. to officially or legally prohibit
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The word "ban" traces back to Old English bannan, meaning "to summon, command, or proclaim," influenced by Old Norse banna ("to curse, prohibit"). It evolved through Germanic roots (e.g., Old High German bannan "to command") and later shifted from "command" to "prohibit" in Middle English, reflecting authority’s power to restrict. The modern sense of legal prohibition emerged by the 14th century.
The government imposed a ban on plastic bags to reduce pollution.
The school banned students from using phones during class.
The ban on smoking in public places has improved air quality.
They voted to lift the ban after years of debate.
The athlete faced a two-year ban for doping violations.