What is Prohibition: Introduction

Picture a locked door with a clear “No Entry” sign—this simple yet powerful image embodies “prohibition.” To prohibit is to ban or restrict, drawing a firm line on what’s allowed and what isn’t. In history and society, prohibitions shape behavior, values, and even cultural movements. While prohibition might first bring to mind the alcohol ban in early 20th-century America, its applications span laws, social norms, and personal choices. Today, the idea of prohibition remains a tool for managing societal risks, from controlled substances to environmental protections.

Origin and History of the Word Prohibition

The word “prohibition” originates from the Latin “prohibitio,” meaning “a forbidding,” derived from “prohibere“—to hold back or prevent. Early uses of “prohibition” date to the Middle Ages in England, initially relating to religious or royal edicts banning certain actions. Its meaning evolved through laws and policies, with “The Prohibition” specifically referring to the period in the United States from 1920 to 1933 when alcohol sales were banned nationwide. This Prohibition era fueled significant social changes, from underground speakeasies to the rise of organized crime. Over time, “prohibition” has expanded to refer to restrictions in various spheres, including drugs, hunting, and environmental protection.

Meaning and Definition of Prohibition

Prohibition (noun):

1. The act of forbidding or banning something by law or regulation.
2. A formal restriction or order preventing certain activities.
3. (Capitalized: “Prohibition”) The specific historical period in the U.S. when alcohol was banned (1920-1933).

Usage note: “Prohibition” often implies legal or official restrictions, but can also refer to strong social or cultural taboos.

How to Pronounce Prohibition

pro-hi-BIH-shun

How to Remember Prohibition: Memory Tips

Think of “prohibit” (meaning “to ban”) as the root of “prohibition.” Imagine a “No” sign with a hand up as if saying “stop”—this image conveys prohibition. Another tip is to associate “pro” with “prevent” and “hibition” with “habit,” suggesting a restriction or ban on certain habits or actions, like alcohol consumption during the U.S. Prohibition era.

Prohibition in a Sentence: Examples and Usage

1. Historical: Prohibition in the United States aimed to reduce alcohol consumption but instead led to an increase in illicit activities.
2. Legal: There is a strict prohibition against smoking in all public buildings under this city ordinance.
3. Environmental: The prohibition on single-use plastics has helped reduce pollution in many coastal areas.
4. Social: In some cultures, there is an unspoken prohibition on discussing topics like politics at family gatherings.
5. Business: Company policy includes a prohibition against using personal devices for work communication.
6. International: The UN has established prohibitions on the sale of certain endangered animal products to protect biodiversity.

Difficulty Level of Using Prohibition

Intermediate:

• Commonly used in formal, historical, or legal contexts
• Clear meaning aids usage, though often associated with formal language
• Useful in discussions of law, policy, and cultural norms

Prohibition Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Words

Modern Usage of Prohibition in Contemporary Context

While “Prohibition” often recalls the U.S. alcohol ban, modern prohibitions shape current issues in health, technology, and environmental policy. Examples include prohibition on recreational drugs, digital restrictions on certain websites or media, and environmental bans on pollutants like microplastics and certain pesticides. Contemporary prohibitions often target consumer products, especially as awareness of sustainability and health risks rises. Technological advances have also led to new prohibitions, such as restrictions on the use of AI in surveillance or limitations on social media content in some countries. As we navigate complex global challenges, prohibitions continue to serve as regulatory measures, balancing individual freedoms with collective well-being.