'prohibit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prohibere,' where 'pro-' meant 'before' and 'habere' meant 'to hold.'

'prohibere' transformed into the Old French word 'prohiber,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prohibit' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to hold back or restrain,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to formally forbid.'