# prohibition

/ˌpɹoʊəˈbɪʃən/ (US) · /pɹəhɪbˈɪʃən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. the act of forbidding

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The city council issued a prohibition on smoking in public parks.
- 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. alcohol ban era

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

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

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

- During Prohibition, many people went to secret bars called speakeasies.
- The era of Prohibition in the United States led to a dramatic rise in organized crime and the illegal distribution of spirits.

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

## Examples

- The school has a strict prohibition against smoking.
- During Prohibition, many people visited secret bars called speakeasies to buy illegal drinks.
- While the policy was intended to improve public morality, Prohibition ultimately led to a massive increase in organized crime as gangs fought for control of the underground liquor market.

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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.