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Forbidden Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forbidden

[fəˈbɪd(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

area

Not allowed; banned; prohibited.

Synonyms

banned, barred, prohibited, taboo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forbidden

Use to describe something that is not allowed, often by a rule, law, or authority.

  • Entering the restricted area is forbidden.
  • It's forbidden to smoke in the hospital.
prohibited

Best suited for formal or legal contexts, indicating that something is explicitly forbidden by an authority or law.

  • Firearms are prohibited on school grounds.
  • Littering is prohibited in this area.
banned

This word is appropriate for describing something that has been officially prohibited, often by legal means.

  • The book was banned in several countries.
  • Plastic bags are banned in this city.
barred

This term should be used to indicate that someone has been prevented from entering or participating in something. It often carries a sense of physical prevention.

  • The fans were barred from entering the stadium.
  • He was barred from the exclusive club.
taboo

Use to describe something that is socially or culturally forbidden or regarded as improper.

  • In many cultures, discussing money is considered taboo.
  • Eating pork is taboo in some religions.

Examples of usage

  • Smoking is forbidden in this area.
  • Entering this room is forbidden without permission.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To order someone not to do something; to prohibit.

Synonyms

ban, bar, prohibit, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forbidden

Used to describe something that is not allowed, often by law or by rules. It carries a serious and strong tone.

  • Eating in the library is forbidden
  • Smoking is forbidden in this building
prohibit

Used in formal or legal contexts to describe actions that are officially or legally not allowed. It has a strong authoritative tone.

  • The law prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors
  • The school prohibits the use of mobile phones during classes
ban

Often used when something is officially or legally prohibited. It can refer to actions taken by governments or organizations.

  • The city banned smoking in public areas
  • There is a ban on plastic bags in the store
restrict

Used when limiting access or use, but not necessarily completely preventing something. It often involves rules or regulations that set certain boundaries.

  • The company restricts access to certain files
  • There are restrictions on the number of people who can attend
bar

Typically used to describe preventing someone from entering a place or from participating in something. It may refer to physical or procedural blocking.

  • They were barred from entering the club
  • He was barred from the competition due to his record

Examples of usage

  • The sign forbids parking on this street.
  • She forbade him from entering the house.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have taboos, or forbidden practices, which vary widely and can include anything from dietary restrictions to rituals.
  • Literature and film frequently explore forbidden themes, such as forbidden love or forbidden knowledge, which often serve as central conflicts.
  • In some religions, there are commandments or laws that outline what is forbidden, reflecting moral and ethical guidelines.

Psychology

  • When people perceive something as forbidden, it can increase its allure, leading to a desire to break the rule.
  • Psychologists study the 'forbidden fruit effect', where the prohibition of an item or behavior can actually make it more appealing.
  • Understanding why certain things are forbidden can shed light on social norms and individual behavior.

Literature

  • Shakespeare's works often dealt with forbidden topics, such as love across social boundaries or secret desires.
  • The idea of forbidden knowledge appears in various myths and stories, illustrating the consequences of seeking out what is not meant to be known.
  • Classic novels, such as 'Romeo and Juliet', center around the theme of forbidden love, showcasing the struggles of lovers against family or societal expectations.

History

  • Throughout history, many societies have had 'forbidden' books that were banned due to their content challenging political or religious authority.
  • Certain historical figures outlawed practices considered forbidden, impacting cultural and societal evolution.
  • In many ancient cultures, taboo subjects included certain rituals or social classes, shaping community behavior and interactions.

Origin of 'forbidden'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'forbiddan', meaning 'to prohibit or prevent'.
  • It is a combination of 'for-' (meaning 'away') and 'biddan' (meaning 'to ask or command').
  • The term has evolved over centuries, maintaining its core meaning of restriction.

The word 'forbidden' originated from the Middle English word 'forbidden', which is a past participle of 'forbid'. The word 'forbid' has Old English origins, from 'forbeodan' meaning 'to command against'. The concept of forbidding or prohibiting certain actions or behaviors has been present in societies throughout history as a way to maintain order and enforce rules.

See also: forbiddance, forbidding.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,672 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.