Keywords: ban, prohibit, forbid, stop (prohibit), banned, prohibited, forbidden, illegal, don't, prohibition, forbidden, no (refuse), no way (reject)


Sign Definition

As a Noun

1. A law, decree or public statement that says you cannot do something. English = ban, prohibition.

As a Verb or Adjective

1. To say publicly by decree or to make a law that says you cannot do something; to be officially not allowed. English = ban, prohibit; (be) banned, (be) prohibited, (be) illegal.
2. To order someone not to do something; to be not allowed. English = forbid; (be) forbidden.


1. Used alone to tell someone very forcefully to stop doing something, especially when you are in a position of authority and representing some organisation which rules against that activity. English = 'Stop! It's forbidden to do that.'
2. Used alone to refuse an offer. English = 'No!', 'No thanks!'
3. Used alone to mean that you think there is no possibility or likelihood of what is being discussed actually happening or being really true. English = 'No!', 'No, that's not right!', 'No way!', 'Absolutely not!'

As Modifier

1. Used immediately next to a verb or adjective to negate it (i.e., that the action does not happen, or that something does not have that quality). Negation using this sign is often strong or emphatic, so it is often found in negative imperatives. English = not, don't, doesn't, didn't.