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.

Societies that forbid it are now discovering they can’t fully control them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The rules explicitly forbid listings that have “been part of selective or gated marketing practices that require a consumer to work with the listing brokerage to get access to the Listing.”

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Rules of Professional Conduct expressly forbid lawyers from communicating with a judge “unless authorized to do so by law or court order,” which he was not.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

Few people would want to look for a new place in their 70s or, God forbid, 80s.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

“God forbid a strong stomach should be all that stands between killing and not. There’s decency, Minya. Mercy.”

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

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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