Cool MateOutlaw vs Prohibit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Outlaw
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)C1verb
Prohibit
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)B2verb
Most common: Prohibit
| Outlaw | Prohibit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈaʊt.lɔː//🇺🇸 //ˈaʊt.lɔː// | 🇬🇧 //prəˈhɪbɪt//🇺🇸 //prəˈhɪbɪt// |
| Meaning | to make something illegal or forbidden | To not allow something. |
| Example | The government decided to outlaw smoking in public places. | The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | outlaw a practice, outlaw behavior, outlaw a substance | prohibit access, prohibit use, prohibit behavior |
| Antonyms | legalize, permit, allow | allow, permit, enable |
| Common mistakes | Incorrectly using 'outlaw' as a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'outlaw' with 'ban' which is less formal., Using 'outlaw' without an object, as it always needs one. | Confused with 'ban' - 'prohibit' is often used in formal settings., Using 'prohibit' with an infinitive instead of a gerund (e.g. 'prohibit smoking' not 'prohibit to smoke'). |
| Usage notes | Typically used in legal or political contexts; avoid in casual conversations. Can describe both laws and behaviors. | Use 'prohibit' in formal contexts such as laws or regulations. It is often more severe than 'forbid'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Outlaw vs Prohibit
What's the difference between Outlaw and Prohibit?
Outlaw: to make something illegal or forbidden Prohibit: To not allow something.
Which is more common: Outlaw and Prohibit?
Prohibit is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Outlaw and Prohibit?
Outlaw is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Outlaw and Prohibit the same CEFR level?
Outlaw: C1, Prohibit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Outlaw and Prohibit?
Outlaw: verb, Prohibit: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Outlaw: The government decided to outlaw smoking in public places. Prohibit: The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving.
Can I use Outlaw and Prohibit interchangeably?
Not always. Outlaw and Prohibit are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.