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
Both of the vessels were interdicted in the Indo-Pacific Command's area of responsibility, which includes the Indian Ocean, according to the Pentagon. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 The United States has gone beyond traditional sanctions to physically interdict Venezuelan oil shipments, asserting control not just over finance, but also over the movement of energy itself. — Meghan O'Sullivan, Time, 4 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
  • Even the Genius Act’s prohibition on direct interest payments was based more on myth than merit.
    — Omid Malekan, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The initial village news release announcing the event had also said that future village board meetings would include additional public safety measures, including pre-entry screening and a prohibition on bags, backpacks, and similar items.
    — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of prohibition
Verb
  • The law is aimed at prohibiting children from obtaining books and movies with obscene content.
    — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Other efforts to battle the practice Maryland was the first in the country to prohibit large grocery stores and delivery services from using personal data to set prices for specific customers.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of prohibit
Verb
  • Defense played a big part in the victory for the Hawks by intercepting three passes.
    — Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Iran hit an oil tanker off Qatar’s coast and fired missiles and drones at Jordan, which were intercepted.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of intercept
Noun
  • Kalshi’s Compliance Department issued the lifetime ban, effective last Friday, against Santos, preventing him from accessing its platform directly or indirectly.
    — Larry Neumeister, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The country has long had one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, now exacerbated by the Taliban’s ban on medical training for women and the requirement that women patients be accompanied to appointments by a male guardian.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ban
Verb
  • Francis Lufkin, whose job was to climb into trees and retrieve parachutes, had been forbidden to jump out of planes by his wife.
    — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The uptick rule forbade a short seller from knocking a stock down by endlessly selling it no matter what.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of forbid
Verb
  • Increasingly, schools are outlawing mobile phones — as Maryland did in May of this year — and digital detox retreats are rising in popularity.
    — Thu T. Nguyen, Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Those of us with a platform need to use our voices before speaking out is outlawed altogether.
    — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on interdict

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interdict

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