forbid

[fərˈbɪd]

forbid Definition

• 1. refuse to allow (something)
• 2. prohibit (someone) from doing something
• 3. make impossible

Using forbid: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "forbid" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The teacher forbids the use of cellphones in class.

• Example

  The law forbids smoking in public places.

• Example

  I forbid you to leave the house after midnight.

• Example

  The storm forbids us from going outside.

forbid Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for forbid

• prohibit
• ban
• bar
• veto
• disallow

Antonyms for forbid

• allow
• permit
• authorize

Idioms Using forbid

• forbid the banns

  prevent a marriage from taking place by publicly announcing reasons why it should not happen

  Example

  The bride's family tried to forbid the banns, but the wedding still took place.

• forbid the door

  refuse entry to someone

  Example

  The bouncer was instructed to forbid the door to anyone who didn't have a valid ID.

• forbid the thought

  used to express strong disapproval or rejection of an idea

  Example

  Forbid the thought that we would ever have to go through another pandemic like this.

Phrases with forbid

• forbidden fruit

  something that is desired but is not allowed

  Example

  She knew that dating her boss was a forbidden fruit, but she couldn't resist.

• forbidden love

  a romantic relationship that is not allowed or approved by society or authority

  Example

  Their love was a forbidden love because they were from different religions.

• forbidden territory

  an area that is off-limits or restricted

  Example

  The military base is a forbidden territory for civilians.

Origins of forbid

from Old English 'forbeodan', meaning 'forbid, prohibit'

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Summary: forbid in Brief

The verb 'forbid' [fərˈbɪd] means to refuse to allow or prohibit something, or make it impossible. It can be used in various contexts, such as rules and laws, personal relationships, and natural events. Examples include 'The teacher forbids the use of cellphones in class.' and 'The storm forbids us from going outside.' 'Forbidden' extends into phrases like 'forbidden fruit,' and idioms like 'forbid the banns,' referring to preventing a marriage from happening.