Condemn vs. Prohibit — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 18, 2024
Condemn means to express strong disapproval or censure, while prohibit means to formally forbid something by law, rule, or authority.
Difference Between Condemn and Prohibit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Condemn involves expressing strong disapproval or criticism, often on moral or ethical grounds. It is a judgmental act, indicating that something is deemed wrong or unacceptable. Prohibit, in contrast, means to officially forbid something through laws, rules, or regulations. It involves authority and enforcement to prevent an action or behavior.
Condemn is often used in contexts where moral, ethical, or social judgments are being made. For example, a government might condemn human rights abuses. This expression of disapproval does not carry legal weight but serves to communicate a strong stance against an action or behavior. Prohibit, on the other hand, is used in legal and formal contexts where specific actions are banned. For instance, smoking might be prohibited in public places by law, meaning it is legally not allowed.
While condemnation can lead to social or political pressure, prohibition involves direct action to prevent or restrict behavior. Condemnation might result in societal disapproval or ostracism, whereas prohibition typically involves penalties or enforcement mechanisms if the rule is violated.
Condemn often reflects societal values and norms, expressing what is considered unacceptable without necessarily involving legal consequences. Prohibit, however, reflects regulatory or legal frameworks designed to control or limit specific behaviors or activities, ensuring compliance through rules and penalties.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Express strong disapproval
Formally forbid by law or rule
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Context
Moral, ethical, or social judgment
Legal, regulatory
Authority
Social or political
Legal, official
Outcome
Disapproval, censure
Prevention, restriction
Consequence
Social pressure, moral stance
Legal penalties, enforcement
Compare with Definitions
Condemn
Express strong disapproval.
The council condemned the vandalism in the park.
Prohibit
Prevent or make impossible.
The rules prohibit any changes to the contract.
Condemn
Declare to be wrong or evil.
The organization condemned the acts of violence.
Prohibit
Formally forbid by law or rule.
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings.
Condemn
Sentence to a punishment, often death.
The criminal was condemned to life imprisonment.
Prohibit
Forbid entry or usage.
Unauthorized personnel are prohibited from entering the area.
Condemn
Declare unfit for use.
The old building was condemned by the city inspectors.
Prohibit
Enforce a ban.
The school prohibited the use of cell phones during classes.
Condemn
Denounce publicly.
Leaders condemned the corrupt practices of the officials.
Prohibit
Legally restrict or ban.
The government prohibited the import of certain goods.
Condemn
Express complete disapproval of; censure
The plan was condemned by campaigners
Most leaders roundly condemned the attack
Prohibit
To forbid by authority
Smoking is prohibited in most theaters.
Condemn
Sentence (someone) to a particular punishment, especially death
The rebels had been condemned to death
Prohibit
To prevent; preclude
Modesty prohibits me from saying what happened.
Condemn
To express strong disapproval of
Condemned the needless waste of food.
Prohibit
(transitive) To forbid, disallow, or proscribe officially; to make illegal or illicit.
The restaurant prohibits smoking on the patio.
Condemn
To pronounce judgment against; sentence
Condemned the felons to prison.
Prohibit
To forbid by authority; to interdict; as, God prohibited Adam from eating of the fruit of a certain tree; we prohibit a person from doing a thing, and also the doing of the thing; as, the law prohibits men from stealing, or it prohibits stealing.
Condemn
To judge or declare to be unfit for use or consumption, usually by official order
Condemn an old building.
Prohibit
To hinder; to debar; to prevent; to preclude.
Gates of burning adamant,Barred over us, prohibit all egress.
Condemn
To force (someone) to experience, endure, or do something
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana).
Prohibit
Command against;
I forbid you to call me late at night
Mother vetoed the trip to the chocolate store
Condemn
To lend credence to or provide evidence for an adverse judgment against
Were condemned by their actions.
Condemn
(Law) To appropriate (property) for public use.
Condemn
(transitive) To strongly criticise or denounce; to excoriate the perpetrators of.
The president condemned the terrorists.
Condemn
(transitive) To judicially pronounce (someone) guilty.
Condemn
(transitive) To judicially announce a verdict upon a finding of guilt; To sentence
The judge condemned him to death.
She was condemned to life in prison.
Condemn
(transitive) To confer eternal divine punishment upon.
Condemn
(transitive) To adjudge (a building) as being unfit for habitation.
The house was condemned after it was badly damaged by fire.
Condemn
(transitive) To adjudge (building or construction work) as of unsatisfactory quality, requiring the work to be redone.
Condemn
(transitive) To adjudge (food or drink) as being unfit for human consumption.
Condemn
To declare something to be unfit for use, or further use.
Condemn
(transitive) To determine and declare (property) to be assigned to public use. See eminent domain.
Condemn
To declare (a vessel) to be forfeited to the government, to be a prize, or to be unfit for service.
Condemn
To pronounce to be wrong; to disapprove of; to censure.
Condemn the fault, and not the actor of it!Why, every fault's condemned ere it be done.
Wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
Condemn
To declare the guilt of; to make manifest the faults or unworthiness of; to convict of guilt.
The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it.
Condemn
To pronounce a judicial sentence against; to sentence to punishment, suffering, or loss; to doom; - with to before the penalty.
Driven out from bliss, condemnedIn this abhorred deep to utter woe.
To each his sufferings; all are men,Condemned alike to groan.
And they shall condemn him to death.
The thief condemned, in law already dead.
No flocks that range the valley free,To slaughter I condemn.
Condemn
To amerce or fine; - with in before the penalty.
The king of Egypt . . . condemned the land in a hundred talents of silver.
Condemn
To adjudge or pronounce to be unfit for use or service; to adjudge or pronounce to be forfeited; as, the ship and her cargo were condemned.
Condemn
To doom to be taken for public use, under the right of eminent domain.
Condemn
Express strong disapproval of;
We condemn the racism in South Africa
These ideas were reprobated
Condemn
Declare or judge unfit;
The building was condemned by the inspector
Condemn
Compel or force into a particular state or activity;
His devotion to his sick wife condemned him to a lonely existence
Condemn
Demonstrate the guilt of (someone);
Her strange behavior condemned her
Condemn
Pronounce a sentence on (somebody) in a court of law;
He was condemned to ten years in prison
Common Curiosities
Can something be both condemned and prohibited?
Yes, an action can be condemned morally or ethically and also prohibited legally.
What does it mean to condemn something?
To condemn something means to express strong disapproval or censure towards it.
How does prohibiting differ from condemning?
Prohibiting involves formally forbidding something by law or rule, while condemning is about expressing strong disapproval.
Can individuals condemn something, or is it just for authorities?
Both individuals and authorities can condemn actions or behaviors.
Can something be condemned without being prohibited?
Yes, something can be condemned for its moral or ethical implications without being legally prohibited.
Does condemning something lead to penalties?
Condemning something does not directly lead to penalties; it is an expression of disapproval.
What are common contexts where things are prohibited?
Common contexts include legal restrictions, workplace rules, and public safety regulations.
Can condemnation influence public opinion?
Yes, condemnation can significantly influence public opinion and social attitudes.
Is condemnation legally binding?
No, condemnation is not legally binding; it is an expression of disapproval.
Does prohibition always involve legal enforcement?
Yes, prohibition typically involves legal rules and enforcement mechanisms.
Does condemnation require a formal process?
Condemnation does not require a formal process; it can be expressed publicly or officially.
What impact does prohibition have on behavior?
Prohibition aims to prevent or restrict specific behaviors through legal enforcement and penalties.
Who has the authority to prohibit something?
Legal and regulatory authorities have the power to prohibit actions or behaviors.
Is prohibition always written into law?
Prohibition is often written into law or official rules and regulations.
Is prohibition temporary or permanent?
Prohibition can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the regulation or law.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
