interdict 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-tər-ˌdikt How to pronounce interdict (audio)
Definition of interdictnext
as in prohibition
an order that something not be done or used the church's controversial interdict against the use of birth control devices

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

interdict

2 of 2

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈdikt How to pronounce interdict (audio)
1
as in to prohibit
to order not to do or use or to be done or used the state legislature moved to interdict the use of radar-detection devices by motorists

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to intercept
to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course federal agents are able to interdict only a small percentage of the narcotic shipments into the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb interdict differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of interdict are forbid, inhibit, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than interdict?

While in some cases nearly identical to interdict, forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use inhibit instead of interdict?

Although the words inhibit and interdict have much in common, inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

In what contexts can prohibit take the place of interdict?

In some situations, the words prohibit and interdict are roughly equivalent. However, prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of interdict
Noun
The police dogs and their handlers also put on 59 public displays and demonstrations for groups throughout Lake County, and the dogs did eight sweeps at schools to help ensure safety and interdict drug use. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026 There are no restraining orders, injunctions or interdicts anywhere. — Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024
Verb
Their job was to board the trains going from Germany to Austria at random to interdict drugs, illicit money, and criminals. — Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 On April 17, CBP’s San Diego Marine Unit crews interdicted a 24-foot boat near San Clemente Island. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interdict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interdict
  1. prohibition
  2. prohibit
  3. intercept
  4. ban
  5. forbid
  6. outlaw
Noun
  • Noncitizens who knowingly violate the prohibition on casting ballots can face fines or up to a year in prison under federal law or a state sentence of up to three years in county jail.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Senate will soon weigh in on the latest Farm Bill, which now seeks to expand market opportunities for mink farmers by undoing a prohibition in federal law on subsidizing the fur trade.
    — Nat Lash, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of prohibition
Verb
  • The curfew prohibits anyone from entering or remaining on the Place de la République, where rioting took place Saturday, and the shopping neighborhood of Les Halles, which has been subject to looting.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • If admiration and support for female athletes drive support for prohibiting transgender women from participating in women’s sports, then those who favor Title IX should also favor bans.
    — Jesse Rhodes, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of prohibit
Verb
  • The officials said the restrictions were disrupting high-speed military drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian attacks and conduct operations along the front line.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Russia also intercepted and destroyed 443 Ukrainian drones overnight, the Russian defense ministry said.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of intercept
Noun
  • During the campaign, Lula sought to address those concerns by proposing a ban on sports betting, announcing a debt renegotiation program and backing tougher penalties for minors who commit crimes.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been personally sanctioned and are facing travel bans from multiple Western countries.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of ban
Verb
  • Ambassadors are ostensibly bound by Article 41 of the 1961 Vienna Convention, which forbids them to interfere in their host country’s internal affairs.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The organization forbids chapters from hosting parties open to people not specifically invited when alcohol is present, and requires chapter leaders to prepare guest lists in advance of such events.
    — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of forbid
Verb
  • But Fidian’s job — and that of hundreds of other drivers, medallion owners and stable hands — is expected to be wiped out Thursday as the City Council is expected to outlaw the industry amid growing concerns over safety.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For example, the City Council passed a bill in 2019 to outlaw the sale of foie gras within city limits.
    — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of outlaw

Browse Nearby Words

intercrosses
interdict
interdicted
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Cite this Entry

“Interdict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interdict. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interdict

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