Definition

A papal power move that cuts off an entire political entity from receiving sacraments—basically the medieval Catholic Church's version of sanctions. This ecclesiastical weapon could make kings sweat by denying their subjects access to religious services, with the strategic exception of last rites. It's excommunication's bigger, scarier sibling that punishes whole populations for one person's transgressions.

Example Usage

Pope Innocent III placed England under interdict when King John refused to accept his choice for Archbishop of Canterbury.

Source: Historical and legal terminology

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