Definition of forbid
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: to proscribe (see proscribe sense 2) 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. Modesty forbids telling what my part was in the affair.
forbid
adjectiveDefinition of forbid (Entry 2 of 2)
archaic
: accursed
he shall live a man forbid— William Shakespeare
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for forbid
The first known use of forbid was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century