forbids

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.

See Examples For:

forbids

Washington has vehemently opposed Tehran's desire to charge tolls in the strait, which international law generally forbids.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

Spain forbids public and commercial buildings from cooling below 80 degrees.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026

In addition, they say, the regulations also allow for recycling technologies that pollute, such as chemical recycling, which the law as originally drafted forbids.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2026

Doctrine forbids Jehovah's Witnesses, as Jones was then, from receiving blood transfusions in almost all circumstances.

From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2026

“In his night-shirt he chased the Sister on duty and absolutely forbids anyone at all to go near his bed. Yesterday he got up and went to wash in the coal-box.”

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman