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

It is likely to have a limited impact in the month ahead because the law forbids states from purging their voter rolls in the 90 days before an election.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

The three media organisations have argued that the ban breaches their rights under the First Amendment, which forbids the government from "abridging" the freedom of the press.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

Trump officials say any such favoritism violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a federal law that forbids discrimination in education and was created to fight segregation and its impact.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

“When a state offers a method for casting a ballot, the Constitution forbids restricting access to that voting method based on any prohibited ground, including age,” Judge Roger Gregory writes for a unanimous panel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

“Nothing in the prophecy forbids you to come,” said Luxa.

From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins