First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1interdict
noun in·ter·dict \ˈin-tər-ˌdikt\
Definition of INTERDICT
1
: a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical censure withdrawing most sacraments and Christian burial from a person or district
2
: a prohibitory decree
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Origin of INTERDICT
Middle English, alteration of entredite, from Anglo-French, from Latin interdictum prohibition, from neuter of interdictus, past participle of interdicere to interpose, forbid, from inter- + dicere to say — more at diction
Related to INTERDICT
- Synonyms
- ban, embargo, prohibition, interdiction, proscription, veto
- Antonyms
- prescription
Rhymes with INTERDICT
2interdict
verb in·ter·dict \ˌin-tər-ˈdikt\
Definition of INTERDICT
transitive verb
1
: to lay under or prohibit by an interdict
2
: to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner
3
a : to destroy, damage, or cut off (as an enemy line of supply) by firepower to stop or hamper an enemy b : intercept 2a <interdict drug shipments>
— in·ter·dic·tion \-ˈdik-shən\ noun
— in·ter·dic·tive \-ˈdik-tiv\ adjective
— in·ter·dic·tor \-tər\ noun
— in·ter·dic·to·ry \-t(ə-)rē\ adjective
First Known Use of INTERDICT
15th century
Related to INTERDICT
Synonym Discussion of INTERDICT
forbid, prohibit, interdict, inhibit mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done. forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected <smoking is forbidden in the building>. prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations <prohibited the sale of liquor>. interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose <practices interdicted by the church>. 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>.
Medical Dictionary
interdict
noun in·ter·dict \ˈint-ər-ˌdikt\
Medical Definition of INTERDICT
civil law : one who has been determined to be incompetent to care for his or her own person or affairs (as by reason of mental incapacity)
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