proibitiva

Proibitiva is the feminine form of the Portuguese adjective proibitivo, used to describe something that prohibits or deters action. It characterizes measures, costs, rules, or conditions that render an action impractical or impossible. The term derives from proibir, through proibitivo, and agrees with the noun it modifies. Common collocations include custo proibitivo, tarifas proibitivas, and medidas proibitivas, signaling that price, tariff, or regulation is sufficient to block participation or uptake.

In public policy, jurisprudence, and economics, proibitiva is used to discuss restrictions that deter behavior or access. A custo proibitivo, for example, means a price so high that potential buyers are discouraged. A medida proibitiva refers to rules designed to prevent certain activities, often for safety, environmental, or legal reasons.

Usage notes: the phrase can carry a negative evaluative tone, indicating excessive or unnecessary barriers from the perspective of the speaker. While often found in formal writing, it also appears in media reporting and policy analysis.

Examples: "As tarifas são proibitivas para famílias de baixa renda." "Existem barreiras proibitivas à entrada de startups no mercado." The term is widely understood in Portuguese contexts and is synonymous with prohibitive in English, capturing the idea of deterrence due to cost or regulation.