A ban is a term that is commonly used in different contexts, such as politics, law, and social issues. It is often associated with the act of prohibiting or forbidding something, whether it is an activity, behavior, or object. In this article, we will explore the various definitions and meanings of ban, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
A ban is a formal or informal prohibition or restriction on something. It can be imposed by an authority, such as a government or a religious institution, or by a group of people who share a common belief or interest. A ban can also refer to the act of excluding someone from a group or community, or the act of boycotting or shunning a particular product or service.
Origin
The word ban has its roots in Old English, where it was used to refer to a proclamation or a command. It was later adopted by other languages, such as German and Dutch, and became a common term in the English language during the Middle Ages.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a ban is “an official or legal prohibition or restriction on something.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a prohibition imposed by law or official decree.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “an official order that prevents something from being done or used.”
Associations
The term ban is often associated with controversial issues, such as censorship, immigration, and social justice. It can also be associated with religious or cultural practices that are deemed unacceptable or offensive by certain groups.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for ban include prohibition, embargo, restriction, exclusion, and boycott.
Antonyms
Antonyms for ban include permission, allowance, approval, acceptance, and endorsement.
The same root words
Other words that share the same root as ban include banish, bandit, and abandon.
Example Sentences
- The government has imposed a ban on smoking in public places.
- The company has issued a ban on the use of plastic bags in its stores.
- The school has banned the use of cellphones during class.
- The community has imposed a ban on the sale of alcohol within its boundaries.
- The organization has called for a ban on the use of animal testing in cosmetics.