Top 35 Slang For Prohibit – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing the act of prohibiting something, language can get creative. Join us as we uncover the top slang terms for prohibit that add a fun twist to the concept of restriction. From everyday phrases to niche expressions, we’ve got you covered with a list that will surely pique your interest and expand your linguistic repertoire. So, buckle up and get ready to explore a whole new world of words that bring a fresh perspective to the idea of prohibition.

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1. Ban

To officially or legally prohibit or forbid something. It is a formal action taken to restrict or prevent certain activities or items.

For example, “The government banned the use of plastic bags to reduce pollution.”
In a discussion about internet censorship, someone might say, “Many countries ban access to certain websites.”
A person advocating for animal rights might argue, “We should ban the use of animals in circuses.”

2. Block

To stop or hinder something from happening or progressing. It refers to the action of creating an obstacle or barrier.

For instance, “The company blocked the employee’s promotion due to poor performance.”
In a conversation about internet security, someone might say, “I installed an ad-blocker to block unwanted pop-up ads.”
A person discussing parenting might advise, “It’s important to block access to inappropriate content on your child’s devices.”

3. Bar

To prevent someone from entering a place or participating in an activity. It refers to the action of prohibiting or denying access.

For example, “The bouncer barred the underage individuals from entering the club.”
In a discussion about immigration policies, someone might argue, “We should bar individuals with criminal backgrounds from entering the country.”
A person discussing discrimination might say, “We need to bar any form of discrimination from our society.”

4. Forbid

To command or order someone not to do something. It is a strong and authoritative way of prohibiting or disallowing certain actions.

For instance, “The teacher forbade the use of cell phones during class.”
In a conversation about cultural traditions, someone might say, “Some religions forbid the consumption of certain foods.”
A person discussing personal boundaries might assert, “I forbid anyone from going through my personal belongings without permission.”

5. Outlaw

To make an activity or behavior illegal and subject to punishment. It refers to the act of declaring something as outside the boundaries of the law.

For example, “The government outlawed the production and sale of certain drugs.”
In a discussion about historical events, someone might say, “During the Prohibition era, the United States outlawed the production and sale of alcoholic beverages.”
A person advocating for stricter gun control might argue, “We should outlaw the possession of assault weapons to reduce gun violence.”

6. Veto

To reject or forbid a decision or proposal. “Veto” is often used in a political context, where it refers to the power of a person or body to reject a law or decision made by others.

For example, the president can veto a bill passed by Congress.
In a debate about a new policy, someone might say, “I would veto this proposal because it goes against our values.”
A person discussing a decision they disagreed with might say, “I wish I had the power to veto that choice.”

7. Proscribe

To officially forbid or prohibit something. “Proscribe” often implies a formal or legal action taken to ban or outlaw a particular behavior or item.

For instance, a government might proscribe the use of certain drugs.
In a discussion about regulations, someone might argue, “We should proscribe the sale of these dangerous products.”
A person expressing disapproval for a certain practice might say, “I believe we should proscribe this behavior in our society.”

8. Censor

To remove or restrict certain information or content deemed objectionable or inappropriate. “Censor” is often used in the context of media or speech, where it refers to the act of controlling or limiting what can be seen, heard, or read.

For example, a government might censor certain books or films.
In a debate about freedom of speech, someone might argue, “Censorship limits our ability to express ourselves.”
A person discussing a controversial topic might say, “Some people want to censor this kind of discussion, but I believe in open dialogue.”

9. Blacklist

To put someone or something on a list of banned or prohibited individuals or entities. “Blacklist” often refers to a list that identifies people or organizations that are not allowed to participate in certain activities or receive certain benefits.

For instance, a company might blacklist a vendor that provided poor service.
In a discussion about security, someone might argue, “We need to blacklist these individuals to protect our organization.”
A person expressing disapproval for a certain individual might say, “They should be blacklisted from ever working in this industry again.”

10. Halt

To bring to a stop or put an end to something. “Halt” is a more general term that can be used to describe the action of prohibiting or preventing something from continuing.

For example, a teacher might halt a noisy classroom by raising their hand.
In a discussion about a project, someone might say, “We need to halt production until we resolve this issue.”
A person expressing frustration with a certain behavior might say, “I wish someone would halt this constant noise.”

11. Restrict

To put a limit or control on something. It means to impose restrictions or regulations on a person or activity.

For example, a sign might say, “Speed limit restricted to 55 mph.”
In a discussion about access to certain areas, someone might say, “Entry to the restricted zone is prohibited.”
A teacher might tell their students, “Cell phone use is restricted during class hours.”

12. Prohibit

To officially or legally forbid or ban something. It means to disallow or prevent someone from doing something.

For instance, a sign might say, “No smoking prohibited.”
In a discussion about rules, someone might say, “The school policy prohibits students from wearing hats.”
A parent might tell their child, “I prohibit you from going out past midnight.”

13. Quash

To put an end to something forcefully or completely. It means to suppress or eliminate something, often in a legal or authoritative context.

For example, a court might quash a subpoena, meaning they invalidate or nullify it.
In a discussion about protests, someone might say, “The government used force to quash the demonstration.”
A news article might report, “The company successfully quashed rumors of bankruptcy.”

14. Taboo

A social or cultural custom that is considered highly inappropriate or unacceptable. It means to be prohibited or forbidden due to social or moral reasons.

For instance, in some cultures, discussing certain topics, such as death or sex, is considered taboo.
In a discussion about societal norms, someone might say, “Breaking the taboo of discussing mental health is important for destigmatization.”
A person might warn their friend, “It’s taboo to bring up politics at the family dinner.”

15. Debar

To prevent or prohibit someone from entering or participating in something. It means to exclude or disqualify someone from a certain activity or privilege.

For example, a person who has been caught cheating might be debarred from participating in future competitions.
In a discussion about job applications, someone might say, “Having a criminal record can debar you from certain employment opportunities.”
A teacher might tell a misbehaving student, “Your disruptive behavior may result in being debarred from the field trip.”

16. Enjoin

Enjoin is a slang term used to mean prohibiting or ordering someone to do something. It is often used in a legal context.

For example, a judge might enjoin a person from contacting a victim in a harassment case.
In a workplace setting, a manager might enjoin employees from using their personal phones during working hours.
A parent might enjoin their child from going out late at night.

17. Interdict

Interdict is a slang term used to mean prohibiting or forbidding something. It is often used in a formal or authoritative context.

For instance, a government might interdict the import of certain goods for safety reasons.
In a religious setting, a priest might interdict a person from participating in certain rituals or receiving sacraments.
A school might interdict the use of cell phones during class hours.

18. Rule out

Rule out is a slang term used to mean excluding or rejecting something as a possibility or option.

For example, a detective might rule out a suspect based on new evidence.
In a medical context, a doctor might rule out certain conditions or diseases based on symptoms.
A person planning a vacation might rule out certain destinations due to budget constraints.

19. Shut out

Shut out is a slang term used to mean preventing someone from entering or participating in a particular activity or event.

For instance, a bouncer might shut out a person from entering a club if they don’t meet the dress code.
In a sports context, a goalkeeper might shut out the opposing team from scoring any goals.
A group of friends might shut out a person from their plans if they have been behaving badly.

20. Nix

Nix is a slang term used to mean rejecting or vetoing something.

For example, a manager might nix a proposal for a new project due to budget constraints.
In a political setting, a leader might nix a bill that they disagree with.
A person might nix the idea of going to a certain restaurant because they had a bad experience there before.

21. Squelch

To squelch something means to suppress or silence it, often forcefully. It is a slang term used to indicate the act of prohibiting or stopping something.

For example, a teacher might say, “I had to squelch the students’ chatter in order to start the lesson.”
In a political context, a government might try to squelch protests or dissenting voices.
A manager might squelch a rumor by addressing it directly and providing accurate information.

22. Stifle

To stifle something means to prevent or restrain it from happening. It is a slang term used to indicate the act of prohibiting or suppressing something.

For instance, a parent might say, “I need to stifle my child’s tantrum before it escalates.”
In a creative setting, self-doubt can stifle an artist’s creativity and prevent them from taking risks.
A company might stifle innovation by enforcing rigid rules and procedures.

23. Deter

To deter means to prevent or discourage someone from doing something. It is a slang term used to indicate the act of prohibiting or dissuading someone from a particular action.

For example, a sign saying “Beware of Dog” is meant to deter potential intruders.
A high price tag can deter consumers from purchasing a product.
A strong police presence can deter crime in a neighborhood.

24. Repress

To repress means to hold back or suppress something. It is a slang term used to indicate the act of prohibiting or suppressing something.

For instance, a person might repress their emotions to appear strong.
A government might repress freedom of speech to maintain control.
A company might repress dissenting opinions to create a unified front.

25. Suspend

To suspend something means to temporarily put it on hold or delay it. It is a slang term used to indicate the act of prohibiting or halting something temporarily.

For example, a student might be suspended from school for breaking the rules.
A project might be suspended due to budget constraints.
An athlete might be suspended from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct.

26. Disallow

To refuse to allow or permit something. “Disallow” is a stronger term than simply not allowing something, suggesting an explicit prohibition.

For example, a sign might say, “No outside food or drinks allowed.”
A teacher might disallow the use of cell phones during class.
A parent might disallow their child from watching certain TV shows.

27. Exclude

To deliberately not include or admit someone or something. “Exclude” implies a deliberate action of keeping someone or something out.

For instance, a club might exclude certain individuals based on their membership criteria.
A group might exclude someone from their plans if they don’t get along.
A person might feel excluded if they are not invited to a party.

28. Inhibit

To hinder, restrain, or prevent something from happening or developing. “Inhibit” suggests a restriction or limitation on a natural or desired process.

For example, fear can inhibit a person from taking risks.
Certain medications can inhibit the growth of bacteria.
A strict dress code can inhibit self-expression.

29. Shun

To deliberately avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something. “Shun” implies a deliberate act of keeping away from or refusing association.

For instance, a person might shun a former friend who betrayed them.
A community might shun certain individuals who are seen as outcasts.
A person might shun certain foods due to dietary restrictions.

30. Suppress

To forcibly put an end to something or prevent it from being expressed or communicated. “Suppress” implies a deliberate act of stopping or suppressing something.

For example, a government might suppress dissenting voices during times of political unrest.
A person might suppress their emotions to appear strong.
A teacher might suppress a student’s disruptive behavior.

31. Forfend

To avert or prevent something from happening. “Forfend” is an old-fashioned term that is rarely used in modern language.

For example, “May the heavens forfend such a tragedy.”
A person might say, “I will do everything in my power to forfend any harm.”
Another might exclaim, “Forfend that we should ever experience such a disaster!”

32. Restrain

To prevent someone or something from doing something or acting in a certain way. “Restrain” often implies the use of physical force or some form of restriction.

For instance, “The police officer had to restrain the suspect to prevent him from fleeing.”
A parent might say, “I had to restrain my child from touching the hot stove.”
In a heated argument, one person might tell the other, “Please restrain yourself and calm down.”

33. Put the kibosh on

To put an end to something or prevent it from happening. This phrase is often used in a casual or colloquial manner.

For example, “The rain put the kibosh on our plans for a picnic.”
A person might say, “I had to put the kibosh on that idea because it was too risky.”
In a discussion about a project, someone might say, “Let’s put the kibosh on this approach and try something different.”

34. Stop

To bring something to an end or prevent it from happening. “Stop” is a simple and direct term that is widely used in everyday language.

For instance, “Stop talking and listen to me.”
A person might say, “I need to stop eating junk food for the sake of my health.”
In a protest, someone might chant, “Stop the violence, stop the hate!”

35. Hinder

To make it difficult for someone or something to make progress or achieve a goal. “Hinder” implies creating obstacles or impediments.

For example, “The bad weather hindered our travel plans.”
A person might say, “Don’t let fear hinder you from pursuing your dreams.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We need to remove any barriers that hinder our productivity.”