What does prohibitionism mean?
Prohibitionism is the doctrine or political position of opposing prohibition, especially laws restricting the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol. It may also be used more broadly for opposition to strict government limits on private conduct. In American and British history, the term often refers to opposition to temperance reforms that sought prohibition through legislation, rather than to temperance itself. A person who supports this position may be called a prohibitionist. The word is most useful when discussing conflicts between moral reformers, who favor legal restrictions, and those who argue that such restrictions exceed the proper role of government. It should not be confused with prohibition, which is the policy being opposed, or with temperance, which can include moderation and may not require a complete legal ban.
nounThe policy or doctrine of opposing prohibition, especially the legal prohibition of the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic drink. In historical contexts, it can also refer more broadly to opposition to government restrictions on personal conduct.
- The doctrine or policy of opposing prohibition, especially the prohibition of alcohol.
- More broadly, opposition to strict legal restrictions on personal conduct or private behavior.
"The political campaign was shaped by prohibitionism, which opposed the regulation of alcohol by the state."
"Local merchants organized against prohibitionism and defended the right to sell alcohol lawfully."
"Critics argued that the broad moralism associated with prohibitionism threatened individual freedom."
Prohibitionism is the political mirror image of prohibition: it turns a ban into the very thing a movement is organized to fight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prohibitionism come from?
Prohibitionism was formed in the 19th century from prohibition, meaning the act of forbidding, together with the suffix -ism, which forms a noun denoting a doctrine or distinctive practice. Its historical development was closely associated with debates over alcohol regulation and the temperance movement. It shares its root with prohibition, prohibitive, and prohibitory, all of which derive from Latin prohibere, meaning to forbid or prevent.
Related word forms
How prohibitionism is actually used
The term is most common in political and historical discussion, particularly in debates over alcohol regulation. It is more precise than a general accusation of dislike for government authority, since it specifically denotes opposition to prohibition as a policy.
Easily confused with prohibitionism
Prohibition is the act or policy of forbidding something, whereas prohibitionism is the doctrine or movement opposed to such restrictions.
Temperance generally promotes moderation or abstinence from alcohol, while prohibitionism specifically emphasizes legally prohibiting its production and sale.