How to disable div?

How to disable div?

I've been searching online for some tips on disabling a div in jquery but
I cant see to find anything that works. I am sure I am doing something wrong.

What I've tried:
$(".photoContainer").attr("disabled", "disabled");
$(".photoContainer").attr("disabled", "true);

not sure why its not working any help would be great!

here is the div I am trying to disable:
<div class="photoContainer">
<img src="images/copy_written/2.jpg" class="cover"/>
</div>


My javascript:
$(function mainPhotoInit() {
$('.view').click(function() {
$(".photoContainer").attr("disabled", "disabled");
$('#imgContainer img').attr("src", "images/copy_written/lrg/" + $(this).attr("id") + ".jpg");
$('#mainPhoto').fadeIn(300);
return false;
});
});