forbid

verb

for·bid | \ fər-ˈbid

, fȯr-\

forbade\ fər-ˈbad

, -ˈbād , fȯr-

\ also forbad\ fər-ˈbad

, fȯr- \; forbidden\ fər-ˈbi-dᵊn

, fȯr- \; forbidding

Definition of forbid

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

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

adjective

Definition of forbid (Entry 2 of 2)

archaic

: accursed he shall live a man forbid— William Shakespeare

Other Words from forbid Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about forbid

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Synonyms & Antonyms for forbid

Synonyms: Verb

ban, bar, enjoin, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe

Antonyms: Verb

allow, let, permit, suffer

Choose the Right Synonym for forbid

Verb

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

Examples of forbid in a Sentence

Verb

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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The state Supreme Court has forbidden pension cuts for existing workers, so the next mayor may be forced to raise taxes by even more than what Mr. Daley is proposing. — Aaron M. Renn, WSJ, "A Mad Dash for City Hall in the Windy City," 22 Feb. 2019 Somehow this luxurious workshop (whose disorder the maids are categorically forbidden to touch), this dream factory and power plant for thousands of jobs reminds one of the little boy alone. — Kennedy Fraser, Vogue, "From the Archives: Karl Lagerfeld, The Impresario," 19 Feb. 2019 Its footprint forbade sneaking the device into our bathroom. — Andrew Moseman, Popular Mechanics, "How Much Litter Box Do You Really Get for $500?," 23 Jan. 2019 It was initially used in WWII and now international treaties forbid its use in war. — Jennifer Wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "If You're Defending Tear Gassing Children, You're a Horrible Person," 28 Nov. 2018 And doctors typically forbid lifting, twisting, and other physical activities for four to six weeks. — Jolene Edgar, Allure, "Life in Plastic: A Complete Guide to the "Mommy Makeover"," 16 July 2018 Where does the unwillingness of the public to, heaven forbid, give a Kardashian or Jenner credit come from? — Alex Abad-santos, Vox, "The controversy over “Kylie Jenner, self-made billionaire,” explained," 13 July 2018 According to Mitchell's claim, though, her probation officers forbid her from seeking treatment and even required her to dress and present as a man as a condition of her release. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Transgender inmate can sue over denial of hormone treatment, U.S. Appeals Court rules," 11 July 2018 Though hats of all kinds have been forbidden in the House since 1837, this ruling is expected to be overturned as soon as the Democrats take control Thursday morning. — Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, "Ilhan Omar Is Poised to Be the First Muslim Woman to Wear a Hijab in Congress Tomorrow," 2 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'forbid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.