Ban

Definition

Ban is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an official or legal prohibition on an activity, item, or behavior. As a verb, it means to officially prohibit or restrict someone or something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bæn/
• Respelling: ban

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bæn/
• Respelling: ban

Etymology

The word "ban" originates from the Old English term "bann," which meant a proclamation or command. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic "bannan," meaning "to proclaim" or "to forbid." The term entered Middle English with the sense of an official prohibition or restriction.

Derivatives

• Banned (adjective)
• Unban (verb)
• Banishment (noun)
• Banishing (verb)
• Banner (noun)

Synonyms

• Prohibit
• Forbid
• Restrict

Antonyms

• Allow
• Permit
• Authorize

Usage

The term "ban" is commonly used to describe an official or legal restriction, often implemented by an authority to control or limit certain actions. For example, "The government placed a ban on smoking in public areas," or "The school banned cell phones in classrooms."

Related Terms

• Restriction: A limitation or control placed on something.
• Prohibition: The action of forbidding something by law or authority.
• Injunction: A legal order preventing a particular action.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An official or legal prohibition: Refers to a formal restriction or rule forbidding certain activities or behaviors.
  • Example: "The city imposed a ban on single-use plastics."

Verb

• To officially prohibit or restrict: Describes the act of formally preventing or forbidding something.
  • Example: "The government decided to ban certain pesticides due to health risks."
• To exclude someone from a place or activity: Refers to the action of barring someone from participating in or accessing something.
  • Example: "He was banned from the library for inappropriate behavior."