English Reference
noun

prohibition

n.
US /ˌpɹoʊəˈbɪʃən/ UK /pɹəhɪbˈɪʃən/ pro·hi·bi·tion UK spelling prohibition's, prohibition's

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the act of officially saying that something is not allowed, usually by making a law.

    the formal act of forbidding something by law, command, or decree. Often used in legal or administrative contexts.

    Simple

    The city council issued a prohibition on smoking in public parks.

    In context

    The strict prohibition against the export of rare minerals has significantly impacted the local mining industry's profitability.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'against' or 'on'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced American English History

    a time in history, especially in the US during the 1920s, when it was illegal to make or sell alcohol.

    a specific historical period during which the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages were legally forbidden.

    Simple

    During Prohibition, many people went to secret bars called speakeasies.

    In context

    The era of Prohibition in the United States led to a dramatic rise in organized crime and the illegal distribution of spirits.

    Teacher's tip

    When referring to the specific US historical period (1920–1933), the word is usually capitalized as 'Prohibition'.

    dry era

The Afghan owner of the shop where I had bought my dholak was a fine musician who had fled to Pakistan rather than submit to the Taliban’s prohibition on music.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

These tariffs were set at 12.5% for countries without any formal prohibition on forced labor imports, and 10% for all other countries with such a prohibition.

The Conversation· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated