Legal Definitions - prohibit

Prohibit

To prohibit means to formally forbid or prevent an action, activity, or condition, often through legal rules, regulations, or official directives.

• Example 1: A city council passes a new ordinance that prohibits the use of fireworks within city limits, citing safety concerns and noise complaints. This means residents are legally forbidden from setting off fireworks.

  Explanation: In this context, the city council's ordinance acts as a legal directive that forbids a specific action (using fireworks), thereby illustrating the "forbid by law" aspect of the term.

• Example 2: A school's code of conductprohibits students from using mobile phones during class time. This rule is in place to prevent distractions and ensure a focused learning environment.

  Explanation: Here, the school's code of conduct prevents or hinders students from engaging in a particular activity (using phones in class), demonstrating how a rule can stop an action from occurring.

• Example 3: During a severe drought, the state government issues an emergency declaration that prohibits residents from watering their lawns or washing their cars with potable water. This measure is intended to conserve dwindling water resources.

  Explanation: This example shows the government taking action to prevent or hinder certain water-intensive activities, making them unlawful for a specific period to achieve a critical public goal (water conservation).