Ban
verb / noun bans (3rd person singular), banned (past simple/past participle), banning (present participle)
Definition
1. To officially forbid something by law or rule.
2. To prohibit an activity, item, or person.
3. (noun) an official order that prevents something from being done, used, or accessed.
2. To prohibit an activity, item, or person.
3. (noun) an official order that prevents something from being done, used, or accessed.
Context Alive
After years of debate and public pressure, the government finally decided to ban single-use plastic bags nationwide, forcing shoppers to bring their own reusable bags or pay extra for paper alternatives at every store.
Meanings
5 meanings 1 To Officially Forbid Something (Verb) — VERY COMMON Common ▼
This is the meaning you’ll encounter constantly. When authorities ban something, they make it officially not allowed—whether it’s a government banning a dangerous chemical, a school banning mobile phones in classrooms, or a parent banning video games until homework is done. It’s stronger than just saying “don’t do this”; it means there’s an actual rule or law against it, often with consequences if you break it.
Vivid ExampleThe airline decided to ban passengers from bringing emotional support animals on flights, after too many incidents involving untrained pets causing chaos in the cabin and distressing other travelers.
2 An Official Prohibition or Restriction (Noun) — VERY COMMON Common ▼
As a noun, a ban is the rule itself—the official “no” that prevents something. You’ll hear about smoking bans, travel bans, bans on certain foods or products. When a ban is in place, it means someone with authority has drawn a line and said, “This is not allowed here.”
Vivid ExampleThe city introduced a ban on fireworks after midnight, hoping to reduce noise complaints and let families with young children and pets finally enjoy peaceful New Year’s celebrations.
3 To Exclude Someone from a Place or Platform (Verb) — VERY COMMON Common ▼
This meaning is everywhere now, especially online. When you get banned from somewhere, you’re kicked out and not allowed back. Social media platforms ban users who break rules. Stores ban shoplifters. Video games ban cheaters. It’s personal exclusion rather than a general prohibition—you specifically are no longer welcome.
Vivid ExampleThe moderators decided to ban him from the online forum permanently, deleting his account and blocking his IP address after he repeatedly harassed other members despite multiple warnings.
4 To Prohibit a Book, Film, or Artwork (Verb) — COMMON Common ▼
Throughout history, governments and institutions have banned creative works they considered dangerous, offensive, or immoral. A banned book is one that’s been officially forbidden—often making it more popular because people are curious about what’s so controversial. Many classics we read today were once banned somewhere.
Vivid ExampleThe school board voted to ban several novels from the library, sparking protests from students and parents who argued that young people should be trusted to handle challenging themes and make their own reading choices.
5 A Curse or Excommunication (Noun — Historical/Religious) — LESS COMMON Common ▼
In older English and religious contexts, a ban could mean a formal curse or an order of excommunication—casting someone out of the church or community. You might see this in historical texts or fantasy literature where someone is “placed under a ban.” It carries a sense of powerful, almost magical condemnation.
Vivid ExampleThe medieval king placed a ban upon the rebellious lord, declaring him an outlaw whose lands were forfeit and whom any loyal subject could kill without punishment.
Examples from the Street
“He got banned from Twitter for spreading misinformation.”
His account was removed and he’s no longer allowed to use the platform
“There’s a ban on single-use plastics now.”
They’re officially not allowed anymore; it’s against the rules
“That film was banned in several countries.”
Authorities prohibited it; people weren’t allowed to watch it
Common Patterns
ban something → officially prohibit something
ban someone from place/activity → prohibit a person from entering or doing something
be/get banned → be prohibited; have access removed
should be banned → expressing opinion that something ought to be prohibited
ban something outright/completely → prohibit totally with no exceptions
banned from doing something → not allowed to do a specific activity
a ban on something → an official rule against something
impose/introduce a ban → create a new prohibition
lift/remove the ban → end the prohibition; allow again
a total/complete/outright ban → absolute prohibition with no exceptions
travel/smoking/driving ban → specific type of prohibition
call for a ban on → demand that something be prohibited
get banned → have your account suspended or removed
permaban → permanent ban; never allowed back
shadow ban → hidden restriction where your content becomes invisible to others
ban hammer → humorous term for the power to ban users
Collocations
5 collocationsimpose a ban
officially forbid something
lift the ban
remove a prohibition
outright ban
a complete and total prohibition
travel ban
a restriction on entering or leaving a place
ban on smoking
a rule that forbids smoking
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
The government banned smoking in all indoor public spaces in 2007
The authorities made it illegal to light up cigarettes inside any building open to the public in 2007.
2
He was banned from driving for three years after the accident
He lost his licence and wasn’t allowed behind the wheel for three years following the crash.
3
I got banned from the online game for using offensive language
My account was suspended from the video game because I used rude words.
4
Many people think boxing should be banned because it’s too dangerous
Lots of people believe the fighting sport ought to be prohibited since it’s too risky.
5
The country imposed a ban on all imports of foreign meat
The nation introduced a prohibition against bringing in any animal products from abroad.
6
After ten years, they finally lifted the ban and tourists could visit again
After a decade, they finally ended the restriction and visitors were welcome once more.
7
Environmental groups are calling for a ban on all single-use plastics
Green organisations are demanding that disposable plastic items be prohibited entirely.
8
The book was banned outright — you couldn’t even find it in libraries
The publication was completely prohibited — it wasn’t available anywhere, not even in public collections.
9
She received a lifetime ban from the sport after failing the drug test
She was permanently excluded from competing after the substance check came back positive.
10
I think my account has been shadow banned — nobody can see my posts anymore
I suspect my profile has been secretly restricted — my content has become invisible to everyone else.
Learner Examples
★
Some schools have banned mobile phones in classrooms to help students concentrate better
Certain institutions have prohibited smartphones during lessons to help learners focus more effectively.
★
Students who are caught cheating are banned from taking the exam again for a full year
Learners discovered copying face a prohibition from retaking the test for twelve months.
Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
1 items Idioms & Expressionsban hammer — authority to prohibit or remove
The moderator dropped the ban hammer on the spammer immediately.
Synonyms & Antonyms
7 items
Synonymsprohibit
officially not allowing
forbid
telling someone they can't
outlaw
making something illegal
block
preventing access
Antonymsallow
giving permission
permit
officially letting something happen
legalise
making something lawful