prohibit

What does “prohibit” mean?

verb.to formally forbid (something) by law, rule, or other authority.

SAT Usage

this word often appears in passages discussing laws, social issues, or ethical dilemmas. It emphasizes the authority or power behind the action of forbidding, highlighting the implications of restriction and control, which sets it apart from similar words like "discourage," which suggests a softer, less formal approach to dissuading behavior.

Common Confusions

Prohibit implies a formal and authoritative ban on an action, while discourage usually suggests an attempt to deter behavior through advice or persuasion rather than outright forbidding it.

Example Sentences

• The restaurant prohibits smoking on the patio.

• Store policy prohibits bare feet in the kitchen.

Word Parts: How to Remember “prohibit”

Break “prohibit” into its parts: pro- (forward, in favor of). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: pro- forward, in favor of (Latin)