interdict

English

Etymology

Middle English entrediten, from Old French entredire (“forbid”), from Latin interdīcere, present active infinitive of interdīcō (“prohibit, forbid”), from inter (“between”) + dīcō (“say”), from Proto-Indo-European *deikō.

Noun

interdict (plural interdicts)

1. A papal decree prohibiting the administration of the sacraments from a political entity under the power of a single person (e.g., a king or an oligarchy with similar powers). Exteme unction/Anointing of the sick are excepted.

Verb

interdict (third-person singular simple present interdicts, present participle interdicting, simple past and past participle interdicted)

1. (transitive, Roman Catholic) To exclude (someone or somewhere) from participation in church services; to place under a religious interdict. [from 13th c.]
2. (transitive) To forbid (an action or thing) by formal or legal sanction. [from 16th c.]
3. (transitive) To forbid (someone) from doing something. [from 16th c.]
4. (transitive, US, military) To impede (an enemy); to interrupt or destroy (enemy communications, supply lines etc). [from 20th c.]
   • 1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, Oxford 2004, p. 756:

     Grant did not cease his efforts to interdict Lee's supply lines and break through the defenses.

Related terms

• interdiction
• interdictive
• interdictory
• interdictively
• interdictor