# prohibited

/pɹoʊˈhɪbətəd/ (US) · /pɹəhˈɪbɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prohibited
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. forbidden by law

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

not allowed because of a law or an official rule.

For teachers: forbidden by authority, law, or regulation; describes something that is strictly banned.

- Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the hospital building.
- The possession of certain chemicals is prohibited under international law to prevent the manufacture of dangerous weapons.

## Examples

- Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the building.
- The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited during the exam to prevent any form of cheating.
- While certain substances are prohibited under international law, the enforcement of these bans varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction and local political climate.

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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.
