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.

The First Amendment doesn’t forbid objective teaching about the role of faith in history, literature and civic life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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

You also need a contingency plan if something — God forbid — ever happened to your son and he predeceased you.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 21, 2026

Many private schools have gone further, pressuring parents to forbid the apps at all until a certain age and to tightly control use thereafter.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

“I forbid you to go out that way, too I” “Idiota!” the kid sister called back at him with dignity after she had flounced past.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

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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