prohibition
UK: ˌprəʊɪˈbɪʃən | US: ˌproʊəˈbɪʃən
n. the act of forbidding something by law or authority
n. the period (1920–1933) in the US when alcohol was banned
n. a formal legal restriction
prohibition = pro<before/against> + hibit<hold> + ion<noun suffix>
- pro<before/against>: From Latin pro-, meaning "before" or "against."
- hibit<hold>: From Latin habere (to hold), evolving into hibere and later hibit- in compounds.
- ion<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns indicating action or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word prohibition traces back to Latin prohibitio, combining pro- (against) and hibere (to hold). It originally meant "to hold back" or "prevent," later evolving into the legal sense of "forbidding by authority." The term gained historical prominence during the US alcohol ban (1920–1933), solidifying its association with legal restrictions.
The prohibition of smoking in public places has improved air quality.
During Prohibition, many Americans secretly visited speakeasies.
The government issued a prohibition on plastic bags to reduce pollution.
Some argue that prohibition often leads to underground markets.
The treaty includes a prohibition against chemical weapons.