Forbid: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫

Add to dictionary

forbid

[fəˈbɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in law

To prohibit (someone) from doing something or to make something impossible; prevent.

Synonyms

ban, disallow, prohibit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
forbid	Used in more formal or authoritative contexts to indicate an order or rule that something should not be done. The school forbids students from using mobile phones during class The company forbids smoking on its premises
prohibit	Typically used in formal or legal documents to specify that something is not allowed, often with a focus on preventing harmful or illegal activities. The law prohibits smoking in public places The company policy prohibits sharing confidential information
ban	Commonly used in both formal and informal settings to indicate that something is officially not allowed, often by law or regulation. The city has banned single-use plastic bags to reduce pollution They banned him from entering the club after the incident
disallow	Used in a more technical or legal context to indicate that something is not permitted, often due to rules, regulations, or guidelines. The referee disallowed the goal due to an offside The policy disallows reimbursement of personal expenses

Examples of usage

He was forbidden from entering the building.
The company forbids the use of cell phones during work hours.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

informal

Strongly discourage or prevent (something).

Synonyms

discourage, halt, prevent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
forbid	Used when imposing a strict rule or law to stop something from happening. The school decided to forbid the use of mobile phones during class. Parents often forbid their children from staying out late.
discourage	Used when trying to convince someone not to do something without imposing a strict rule. She tried to discourage him from smoking by explaining the health risks. The coach did not want to discourage the young athlete by being overly critical.
prevent	Used when taking measures to stop something from happening, usually before it starts. Installing passwords can help prevent unauthorized access. Vaccinations aim to prevent the spread of diseases.
halt	Used to describe stopping an action, event, or process immediately and forcefully. The construction was halted due to safety concerns. The police ordered the driver to halt the vehicle.

Examples of usage

The doctor forbids strenuous exercise after the surgery.
My parents forbade me from going to the party.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'forbīdan', which means 'to prohibit'.
It is made up of 'for-', meaning 'against', and 'bidan', which means 'to wait'.
The meaning of the word has remained largely unchanged since its origins.

Law

In legal terms, to forbid can refer to restrictions placed by laws or regulations.
Certain practices, such as gambling in some states, are forbidden by law.
Forbidding actions can take various forms, such as bans, prohibitions, or restrictions.

Psychology

When something is forbidden, it can sometimes make it more attractive due to the thrill of the taboo.
People often react strongly to things they are forbidden to do, which can lead to rebellion or defiance.
The concept of forbidden activities can be linked to the idea of social norms and moral values.

Pop Culture

Many stories and movies contain themes of forbidden love, where characters fall in love despite societal or familial objections.
In popular music, songs often explore the emotions surrounding things that are forbidden, creating a sense of longing.
The concept of forbidden knowledge, like in stories about secret books or ancient secrets, fascinates audiences.

Religious Teachings

Many religions have teachings about things that are forbidden, often highlighting moral dilemmas.
In Christianity, the concept of forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden represents knowledge and temptation.
In various cultures, dietary laws can forbid certain foods, reflecting beliefs about purity and health.

Translations

Translations of the word "forbid" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proibir

🇮🇳 मनाही करना

🇩🇪 verbieten

🇮🇩 melarang

🇺🇦 забороняти

🇵🇱 zakazać

🇯🇵 禁止する (kinshi suru)

🇫🇷 interdire

🇪🇸 prohibir

🇹🇷 yasaklamak

🇰🇷 금지하다 (geumjihada)

🇸🇦 منع (mana')

🇨🇿 zakázat

🇸🇰 zakázať

🇨🇳 禁止 (jìnzhǐ)

🇸🇮 prepovedati

🇮🇸 banna

🇰🇿 тыю

🇬🇪 აკრძალვა (akrdzalva)

🇦🇿 qadağan etmək

🇲🇽 prohibir

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,340 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9337 insolvent
9338 distrust
9339 trousers
9340 forbid
9341 shipper
9342 discriminate
9343 marketed
...