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.

The language of the law forbids any kind of recycling that would produce significant amounts of hazardous waste.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

It forbids therapists from insisting on spreading their personal views through confidential, sensitive conversations with trusting minors happening behind closed doors.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

They were found to have breached TikTok's AI-generated policy, which forbids content that "falsely shows public figures in certain contexts".

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Just this once, I made an exception to the Journal rule that forbids showing sources advance copy and sent the draft to Greenspan’s spokesman for a gut check.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

“I haven’t had sugar in two years. Wilfrido is a total control freak. He forbids his assistants from gaining even one pound. Do you know how much sugar is in tres leches? Do you?”

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya