forbid

play

verb for·bid \fər-ˈbid, fȯr-\

Definition of forbid

forbade

play play \-ˈbad, -ˈbād\ also

forbad

play \-ˈbad\

forbidden

play \-ˈbi-d^ən\

forbidding

transitive verb
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>

forbidder

noun

See forbid defined for English-language learners

See forbid defined for kids

See words that rhyme with forbid

Examples of forbid in a sentence

I forbid you to go!
She was forbidden by her parents to marry him.
She was forbidden from marrying him.
The museum forbids flash photography.
The company's rules forbid dating among employees.

Origin and Etymology of forbid

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of forbid

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>.