ban

Definitions

ban comes from the bannum strand of the root — Late Latin bannum meant a public proclamation, especially one that forbids. A ban is exactly that: an official 'this is not allowed.' Same family as banish (proclaim someone out) and contraband (goods against the ban).

Common Collocations

• 1.ban on对……的禁令
• 2.smoking ban吸烟禁令
• 3.impose a ban实施禁令
• 4.lift a ban解除禁令
• 5.outright ban彻底禁止

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The city decided to ban cars from the old town center.

• 2.

  There is now a complete ban on smoking in restaurants.

• 3.

  The athlete was banned for two years after the test.

Easily Confused

ban vs forbid vs prohibit — all mean 'not allow,' but ban is official and public (a government bans something), forbid is personal and often direct (a parent forbids a child), and prohibit is the most formal, used in rules and law (smoking is prohibited). You ban a substance, forbid a person to act, prohibit by regulation.