Prohibition, n.
Etymology: [L. prohibitio: cf. F. prohibition.]
1. The act of prohibiting; a declaration or injunction forbidding some action; interdict. The law of God, in the ten commandments, consists mostly of prohibitions. Tillotson.
2. Specifically, the forbidding by law of the sale of alcoholic liquors as beverages. Writ of prohibition (Law), a writ issued by a superior tribunal, directed to an inferior court, commanding the latter to cease from the prosecution of a suit depending before it. Blackstone.
Note: By ellipsis, prohibition is used for the writ itself.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for prohibition; he lists it under barrier, order.
Where he writes about it:
Prohibition is wholly negative; it is a command not to do; injunction is now oftenest so used, especially as the requirement by legal authority that certain action be suspended or refrained from, pending final legal decision. — from order