forbidding

adjective

for·​bid·​ding fər-ˈbi-diŋ 

fȯr-

1

: such as to make approach or passage difficult or impossible

forbidding walls

2

: disagreeable, repellent

a forbidding task

3

: grim, menacing

a dark forbidding sky

forbiddingly

fər-ˈbi-diŋ-lē 

fȯr-

adverb

Synonyms

• terrifying
• frightening
• formidable
• scary
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

Examples of forbidding in a Sentence

a harsh and forbidding landscape

a dark, forbidding house, that is reputed to be haunted

Recent Examples on the Web

In her remarks during the recent tour of the facility, Department of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem appeared to acknowledge that the forbidding conditions were meant to frighten migrants into self-deporting. —Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2025

The basic technology is complicated enough, but the subculture—with its own particular argot and decorum—is what’s truly forbidding. —Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 10 June 2025

Some observers found the ending of the Fifth cold and forbidding. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024

And if his forbidding tone wasn't enough to kill the joking mood inside the transport, the school bus blocking the road in front of them finishes the job. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 5 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for forbidding

• bidding
• kidding
• ridding
• skidding

Kids Definition

forbidding

adjective

: tending to frighten or discourage

a dark forbidding sky

forbiddingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb