Main Entry: ¹for·bid

Pronunciation: \fər-ˈbid, fȯr-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): for·bade \-ˈbad, -ˈbād\ also for·bad \-ˈbad\; for·bid·den \-ˈbi-d^ən\; for·bid·ding

Etymology: Middle English forbidden, from Old English forbēodan, from for- + bēodan to bid — more at bid

Date: before 12th century

1 : to proscribe from or as if from the position of one in authority : command against <the law forbids stores to sell liquor to minors> <her mother forbids her to go>
2 : to hinder or prevent as if by an effectual command <space forbids further treatment here>

— for·bid·der noun

synonyms forbid, prohibit, interdict, inhibit mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done. forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected <smoking is forbidden in the building>. prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations <prohibited the sale of liquor>. interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose <practices interdicted by the church>. inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation <conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade>.