prohíben

Prohíben is the present indicative form of the Spanish verb prohibir in the third person plural. It translates to “they prohibit” or, in regions using ustedes, “you all prohibit.” It is commonly found in official texts, regulations, laws, and news reports to indicate that a group or authorities forbid a specific action.

Etymology and usage context: Prohibir comes from Latin prohibēre, composed of a prefix pro- and a root related to holding back or preventing. The forms of prohibir in the present tense show accent marks on the stem vowel in most plural and singular persons (for example, yo prohíbo, tú prohíbes, él prohíbe, nosotros prohibimos, vosotros prohibís, ellos prohíben). The accent helps indicate the correct pronunciation and distinction from other forms.

Conjugation and related forms: Prohíben is used with plural subjects. Other common forms include prohíbo (I forbid), prohíbes (you forbid), prohíbe (he/she/you forbid), prohibimos (we forbid), and prohibís (you all forbid, Spain). The noun form prohibición refers to the act or state of forbidding, while prohibido means forbidden.

Examples of use: “Las autoridades prohíben la venta de alcohol a menores.” “Se prohíben los dispositivos electrónicos durante la clase.” In signs, one often sees “Se prohíbe fumar” or “Se prohíben las fotografías.”

See also: prohibir, prohibición, prohibido, ley antidrogas.