Definition of prohibitive

The word "prohibitive" originated in the mid-1700s from the Latin words "prohibere" (meaning "forbid") and "itha" (meaning "expensive"). The original meaning of the word was "acting as a prohibition" or "forbidding." As the usage of the word evolved, it came to refer to something that is so expensive or difficult as to forbid or deter someone from doing it. This second meaning emerged in the late 1800s, during a time when many governments were passing laws that prohibited certain activities, such as drinking alcohol or smoking in public places. The use of "prohibitive" to describe high costs or difficulties reflects the fact that these factors often have the same effect as a legal prohibition: they make it difficult or impossible for people to do something. In this sense, "prohibitive" is still used today to describe things like high prices, tough entry requirements, or overwhelming challenges that discourage or discourage people from doing certain things.