banned

The word “banned” means officially forbidden or prohibited. In plain terms, not allowed by an official rule or authority.

“Banned” is pronounced band (/bænd/ in IPA).

Here is “banned” used in a sentence: “Smoking is banned in most public buildings now.”

“Banned” is an adjective.

“Banned” is a fairly common word in modern English.

The meanings are very close — both mean officially forbidden. "Prohibited" tends to sound more formal and legal, common on rules and signs, while "banned" is plainer and more forceful, often used for outright, complete forbidding. In practice the two words are used interchangeably in most everyday contexts.

Being banned means being forbidden completely, often permanently, from doing something or entering a place. Being suspended means being blocked temporarily, for a set period, after which the person may return. A banned player is out for good, whereas a suspended one is only sidelined for a while.

The opposite is "allowed" or "permitted," meaning officially acceptable. "Legal," "authorised," and "approved" also contrast with banned, depending on context. When something once forbidden is made acceptable again, it is often described as "lifted," "unbanned," or "reinstated."

Many countries have banned smoking in indoor public places, meaning it is legally forbidden there. Other examples include banned substances in sport, banned books removed from schools, or a driver banned from the road after an offence. In each case an authority has officially prohibited the thing in question.