# ban

/ˈbæn/ (US) · /bˈæn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ban
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to officially forbid

verb · CEFR B1

to officially say that something is not allowed.

For teachers: to prohibit or interdict an action, substance, or person by official decree or authority.

- The city decided to ban plastic bags to help protect the environment.
- The international committee voted to ban the athlete from all future competitions after the second doping violation was confirmed.

Usage: This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

### 2. an official rule against something

noun · CEFR B1

an official rule that says something is not allowed.

For teachers: an official or legal prohibition against a particular activity, substance, or person.

- There is a new ban on smoking in public parks.
- The government lifted the long-standing ban on imported electronics, hoping to stimulate competition within the local market.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'on'.

## Examples

- The city has a ban on smoking in public parks.
- The government recently announced a total ban on the sale of single-use plastic bags to reduce ocean pollution.
- Despite the nationwide ban on the substance, researchers argued that its controlled use in clinical trials could yield significant breakthroughs in treating chronic pain.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.