Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

forbid

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of forbid

to order not to do or use or to be done or used
  • smoking is forbidden throughout the building
  • we forbid you to see him
Synonyms of forbid

ban, bar, enjoin, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe
Words Related to forbid

deter, discourage, dissuade

clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress

halt, preclude, prevent, stop

embargo, exclude, rule out, shut out

debar, deprive, disallow, reject, repudiate, veto

bridle, check, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain

block, hinder, impede, obstruct
Near Antonyms of forbid

approve, endorse (also indorse), sanction

authorize, license (also licence), warrant

abet, advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, nourish, nurture, promote, support

bid, command, order

abide, bear, brook, countenance, endure, tolerate
Antonyms of forbid

allow, let, permit, suffer

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

Learn More about forbid

  1. See words that rhyme with forbid Dictionary: Definition of forbid Spanish Central: Translation of forbid Nglish: Translation of forbid for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of forbid for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up forbid? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

maunder

Listen to the pronounciation of maunder

to wander slowly or to speak indistinctly

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. kangaroo court Trump blocks ambassador from testimony

  2. coup Trump accuses Democrats of overthrow attempt

  3. quid pro quo Speculation mounts over Trump's Ukraine call

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games