What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Proscribe vs Interdict - What's the difference?

proscribe | interdict |

In transitive terms the difference between proscribe and interdict

is that proscribe is to banish or exclude while interdict is to forbid (someone) from doing something.

As a noun interdict is

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). Extreme unction/Anointing of the Sick is excepted.

proscribe

English

Usage notes

* The latter pronunciation is used when added distinction from (prescribe) is desired.

Verb

(proscrib)
  • To forbid or prohibit.
  • To denounce.
  • To banish or exclude.
  • Usage notes

    * Avoid the erroneous construction “proscribe against”; substitute “proscribe” alone or the phrase “pre scribe against”.

    Antonyms

    * prescribe

    interdict

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • 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). Extreme unction/Anointing of the Sick is excepted.
  • Verb

    (en verb)
  • (Roman Catholic) To exclude (someone or somewhere) from participation in church services; to place under a religious interdict.
  • * Ayliffe
  • An archbishop may not only excommunicate and interdict his suffragans, but his vicar general may do the same.
  • To forbid (an action or thing) by formal or legal sanction.
  • * Milton
  • Charged not to touch the interdicted tree.
  • To forbid (someone) from doing something.
  • (transitive, US, military) To impede (an enemy); to interrupt or destroy (enemy communications, supply lines etc).
  • * 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.