ban / bann are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇
bann A proclamation made in the army by beat of drum, sound of trumpet, &c., requiring the strict observance of discipline, either for the declaring of a new officer, the punishing an offender, or the like.
An announcement, especially in a church, of an intended marriage. [Middle English banes, pl. of ban, proclamation, from Old English gebann and from Old French ban (of Germanic origin; see bhā- in Indo-European roots).] American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
To ban something means to state officially that it must not be done, shown, or used. It was decided to ban smoking in all offices later this year. [VERB noun] Last year arms sales were banned. [VERB noun] ...a banned substance. [VERB-ed] No reason was given for the banning of the magazine.
To ban is to forbid or prohibit something or someone, as in Fatima banned her children from using screens after 9 pm so they wouldn’ stay up all night playing video games. A ban is a law or rule that prohibits, or bans, something, as in The winter parking ban starts on December 1.
Other forms: banned; banning; bans; bani. The verb to ban means to forbid something from being or happening. The word can also be used as a noun. A school board might put a ban on all books that refer to Jefferson's mistress if they don't want anyone reading about her.