Dictionary [BAN]: A prohibition or the act of prohibiting something

ban

ban

noun (countable)
UK/bæn/US/bæn/

an official prohibition or restriction, often imposed by a government or other authority

Example Sentences

  1. The government introduced a ban on smoking in public places.

  2. After numerous complaints, the company issued a strict ban on personal internet use during work hours.

  3. A temporary ban on water usage for lawns helped the city conserve resources during the drought.

  4. Residents protested the ban on overnight parking in certain districts, arguing it caused unnecessary inconvenience.

  1. They proposed a ban on certain pesticides to protect the local bee population from further decline.

  2. Local activists welcomed the ban, seeing it as a turning point in efforts to reduce plastic pollution and safeguard marine life from further harm.

  3. The ban on public gatherings was lifted after health officials confirmed that the outbreak had subsided, allowing large-scale events to resume under careful guidelines.

  4. In some countries, there is a ban on importing dangerous wildlife, intended to protect native species and prevent the spread of diseases.

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verb (transitive)
UK/bæn/US/bæn/

to officially prohibit or forbid something

Example Sentences

  1. The government moved to ban the use of certain chemicals found in harmful pesticides.

  2. They plan to ban plastic bags, requiring customers to use eco-friendly alternatives instead.

  3. The new policy would ban large trucks from entering the city center during peak hours.

  4. Many countries ban the sale of ivory to combat poaching and protect endangered elephants.

  1. Officials announced they would ban any apps deemed to pose a risk to national security.

  2. Efforts to ban noisy leaf blowers gained momentum after numerous neighborhood complaints about early-morning disturbances.

  3. Some social media platforms ban users who repeatedly violate community guidelines, emphasizing the importance of respectful discourse.

  4. Local authorities are set to ban open-air garbage burning, hoping to curb air pollution and improve public health in the district.

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How to Use

A formal or authoritative prohibition against a particular action, practice, or substance.

“Ban” functions both as a noun and a verb, carrying significant weight in legal, social, and organizational contexts. As a noun, a “ban” refers to an official or authoritative prohibition. For example, “There is a ban on smoking in public places” indicates that smoking is officially forbidden in those areas. Bans can be imposed by governments, organizations, or institutions to regulate behavior, ensure safety, protect public health, or maintain order.As a verb, “ban” means to officially prohibit or forbid something. For instance, “The city council decided to ban single-use plastics” shows the action of prohibiting the use of certain plastics. Banning can target a wide range of activities, items, or behaviors, such as substances (alcohol, tobacco), practices (gambling, animal testing), or objects (fireworks, plastic bags). The process of banning often involves legislation, regulations, or policy changes aimed at controlling or eliminating the undesired element.Bans can have various motivations, including environmental protection, public health, safety concerns, or moral and ethical reasons. They can be temporary or permanent, depending on the issue at hand. Enforcement of bans typically involves penalties or sanctions for violations, ensuring compliance and reinforcing the prohibition’s authority.In addition to formal bans, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe strong discouragement or rejection of ideas, behaviors, or influences. For example, “She banned negative thoughts from her mind” uses “ban” in a figurative sense to imply a conscious effort to eliminate certain mental patterns.Overall, “ban” underscores the power of authority to restrict or control elements deemed harmful, undesirable, or contrary to established norms or regulations. Whether in legal statutes, organizational policies, or personal disciplines, banning serves as a tool to shape behavior and maintain desired standards.

Alternatives

Depending on the context, synonyms and related terms for “ban” include:- **Prohibition**: Emphasizes the act of forbidding something.- **Forbiddance**: A more formal term for banning.- **Interdiction**: Often used in legal or military contexts.- **Outlaw**: To declare something illegal.- **Exclude**: To keep something or someone out.- **Restrict**: To limit the availability or use of something.- **Bar**: To prevent access or participation.While these alternatives capture similar meanings, “ban” remains the most versatile and widely recognized term for both the noun and verb forms of prohibition across various contexts.

Writing

When using “ban” in formal or academic writing, clearly specify the scope and authority behind the prohibition. For example:- **Legal Context**: “The government imposed a ban on single-use plastics to combat environmental pollution.” This specifies both the action and the reason behind it.- **Organizational Policy**: “The company has decided to ban personal mobile devices in the workplace to enhance productivity.” Here, the ban is tied to organizational goals.- **Historical Analysis**: “The prohibition era in the United States saw a widespread ban on alcohol, leading to significant social and economic impacts.” This provides historical context and consequences.In persuasive or argumentative writing, use “ban” to support points about regulation and control: “Implementing a ban on smoking in public areas can significantly improve public health.” Ensure that you provide evidence or reasoning to justify the necessity and effectiveness of the ban.When describing the effects of a ban, detail both intended and unintended consequences: “While the ban on plastic bags reduced waste, it also led to increased use of paper alternatives, which have their own environmental impacts.” This shows a nuanced understanding of the topic.Additionally, when discussing bans metaphorically, clarify the figurative meaning to avoid confusion: “He decided to ban procrastination from his daily routine to increase his efficiency.” This usage conveys a personal commitment to change rather than an official prohibition.

Casual Conversation

In everyday conversation, “ban” is often used when discussing rules, regulations, or personal boundaries:- **Social Rules**: “They decided to ban loud music after 10 PM in the neighborhood to keep it peaceful.”- **Personal Boundaries**: “I’ve banned junk food from my diet to stay healthy.”- **Workplace Policies**: “The office has banned eating at desks to maintain cleanliness.”- **Humorous Contexts**: Friends might joke, “I’m banning you from using your phone during movie nights!”- **Events and Activities**: “The school banned smartphones during exams to prevent cheating.”People also use “ban” in metaphoric expressions, such as, “She banned negativity from her life,” indicating a personal choice to avoid negative influences. In casual talk, the term is versatile, easily fitting into discussions about rules, personal choices, or humorous restrictions among friends.

Etymology

The word “ban” originates from the Old Norse word “bann,” meaning a proclamation or prohibition, which was adopted into Old English as “bannan,” meaning to command or forbid. Over time, “ban” evolved in Middle English to signify an official or authoritative prohibition. The term has roots in Germanic languages, reflecting its long-standing association with rules and restrictions imposed by authority figures or governing bodies. Historically, bans were used to maintain social order, control behaviors, and protect public welfare. In modern usage, “ban” continues to carry its authoritative connotation, whether in legal statutes, organizational policies, or personal decisions, maintaining its role as a powerful tool for regulation and control.

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