Forbids or prevents something by law, rule, or authority; makes something illegal or not allowed. Third person singular of prohibit.
From Latin 'prohibere', combining 'pro-' (forth, in front) and 'habere' (to hold). Literally meaning 'to hold in front of' or 'to keep away', suggesting blocking access or preventing approach.
The Latin roots paint a vivid picture - 'prohibit' literally means to 'hold something in front' as a barrier. This reveals how our ancestors visualized law as a physical barrier, a concept that survives in phrases like 'roadblock' for obstacles and 'barrier' for restrictions.
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