Definition of interdict

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in·ter·dict    (ntr-dkt) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
in·ter·dict·ed, in·ter·dict·ing, in·ter·dicts

1. To prohibit or place under an ecclesiastical or legal sanction.
2. To forbid or debar, especially authoritatively. See Synonyms at forbid.
3. 1. To cut or destroy (a line of communication) by firepower so as to halt an enemy's advance.
   2. To confront and halt the activities, advance, or entry of: "the role of the FBI in interdicting spies attempting to pass US secrets to the Soviet Union" (Christian Science Monitor).

NOUN:
(ntr-dkt)

1. Law A prohibition by court order.
2. Roman Catholic Church An ecclesiastical censure that excludes a person or district from participation in most sacraments and from Christian burial.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Alteration of Middle English enterditen, to place under a church ban, from Old French entredit, past participle of entredire, to forbid, from Latin interdcere, interdict- : inter-, inter- + dcere, to say; see deik- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
inter·diction(Noun), inter·dictive or inter·dicto·ry  (-dkt-r) KEY (Adjective), inter·dictive·ly(Adverb), inter·dictor(Noun)