interdict
UK: ˌɪntəˈdɪkt | US: ˌɪntərˈdɪkt
n. an authoritative prohibition; a formal decree forbidding something
vt. to prohibit or forbid by authority
vt. (Ecclesiastical) to cut off from church privileges
The word traces back to Latin interdictum ("prohibition"), combining inter- (suggesting intervention or obstruction) and dictum ("declaration"). Originally, it referred to a legal or ecclesiastical order that "speaks between" to halt an action. Over time, it broadened to secular prohibitions while retaining its formal tone.
The court issued an interdict against the construction project.
The priest was interdicted from performing sacraments.
The government interdicted trade with the embargoed nation.
Ancient Roman laws often used interdicts to resolve disputes.
Violating the interdict could result in severe penalties.