interdict

Meanings

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.
• An injunction.

Verb

• To exclude (someone or somewhere) from participation in church services; to place under a religious interdict.
• To forbid (an action or thing) by formal or legal sanction.
• To forbid (someone) from doing something.
• To impede (an enemy); to interrupt or destroy (enemy communications, supply lines etc).

Origin

• From Middle English entrediten, from Old French entredire ("forbid"), from Latin interdīcō ("prohibit, forbid"), from inter- + dīcō, from Proto-Indo-European *deyḱ-.