forbidding

adjective

for·​bid·​ding fər-ˈbi-diŋ How to pronounce forbidding (audio)
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for forbidding

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forbidding was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forbidding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forbidding. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

forbidding

adjective
: tending to frighten or discourage
a dark forbidding sky
forbiddingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on forbidding

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