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עברית
אסר — meaning in English: Banned
asar · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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forbade / imprisoned (m.s.)
הרופא
harofe
אסר
asar
המערביים
hama'araviyim
בטוח
batu'akh
רבו
ravu
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formal
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word אסר (asar) in legal or formal contexts to describe restrictions imposed by authorities, such as laws banning certain activities. For example, during discussions about recent government regulations, one might hear, 'החוק אסר על מכירת אלכוהול למבוגרים מתחת לגיל 18' (The law banned the sale of alcohol to minors). In informal conversations, it can arise when discussing things like social norms or taboos.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym would be 'נאסר' (nasar), which also means 'forbidden' but carries a slightly more passive connotation, as if something was made forbidden by someone else. You might choose אסר when discussing active prohibitions enforced by authorities, while נאסר could be used in more general discussions about what is socially or morally deemed unacceptable.
Culture
The Hebrew word אסר (asar) has roots in Biblical Hebrew, where it originally conveyed the notion of binding or tying something up. Over time, its meaning evolved to reflect prohibition or banning, a concept that plays a significant role in religious and legal texts. In modern Hebrew, אסר is often associated with moral or ethical discussions, highlighting society's views on acceptable behavior.
FAQ
