interdict

/ˈin-tər-ˌdikt/

Middle English, alteration of entredite, from Anglo-French, from Latin interdictum prohibition, from neuter of interdictus, past participle of interdicere to interpose, forbid, from inter- + dicere to say

noun

  1. a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical censure withdrawing most sacraments and Christian burial from a person or district

  2. a prohibitory decree

verb

  1. to lay under or prohibit by an interdict

  2. to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner

  3. to destroy, damage, or cut off (something, such as an enemy line of supply) by firepower to stop or hamper an enemy

forbid prohibit interdict inhibit mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done. forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected. prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.