Definitions

forbid

[fer-bid, fawr-] / fərˈbɪd, fɔr- /

VERB

outlaw, prohibit an action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ban block cancel censor deny deprive disallow enjoin exclude freeze halt hinder impede inhibit oppose preclude prevent proscribe restrain restrict rule out stop

STRONG

check debar embargo forestall forfend interdict nix obstruct obviate spike stymie taboo veto withhold

WEAK

declare illegal hold up lock up put the chill on say no shut down shut out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

add admit advance aid allow approve assist continue encourage facilitate forward free go help include let go permit push release support welcome

WEAK

authorize sanction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“There’s a band called God Forbid and half of them were black and from New Jersey, and I was like ‘whaaaaat, this is insane’.

From The Guardian • Sep. 20, 2017

"Forbid I would take a bite and a doctor would realize an artery is missing."

From US News • May 14, 2015

If, Lord Forbid, FedEx FedEx, UPS or another similar company were to go down we’d expect it to be on the very same day.

From Forbes • Dec. 27, 2014

Forbid this child had an authentic, self-derived interest in science that hadn’t been formally assigned to her!

From Scientific American • May 3, 2013

Forbid her anything and it became her heart's desire.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing forbid

Beowulf vocabulary

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"The Tragedy of Macbeth," Vocabulary from Act 1

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"Names/Nombres" by Julia Alvarez

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