DictionaryAI

ban

SayBAN/bæn/

Verbbans, banning, banned

Noun pluralbans, bani

12 meanings of ban

Practice

  1. 1
    forbidverbtransitive
    To officially say that something is not allowed.

    Like a teacher telling the class that no one may chew gum.

    The city decided to ban smoking in all of its parks.

    Many schools ban phones during class time.

    UsageSay ban smoking, or ban him from playing.

    Similarprohibit, forbid, outlaw, bar, suspend

    Oppositeallow, permit, authorize, legalize

    Note
  2. 2
    prohibitionnouncountable
    An official rule that says something is not allowed.

    Like a sign that tells you what you must not do.

    The town put a ban on fireworks after the dry summer.

    There is a ban on swimming at this beach.

    UsageSay a ban on fireworks. Lift the ban means to end it.

    Similarprohibition, embargo, moratorium, bar

    Note
  3. 3
    verbarchaictransitive
    To place someone under a religious curse by an official order of the church.

    Similarexcommunicate, anathematize

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Origin

An old word from Middle English and Old English meaning to summon, command, or curse, also shaped by an Old Norse word meaning to forbid or curse.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

  • Ban comes through Middle English bannen from Old English bannan, with historical meanings including summon, command, and curse. kaikki.org
  • Old Norse banna, meaning forbid or curse, also contributed to the word. gutenberg.org