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.

Want emails or financial records or, heaven forbid, anything from the police?

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026

While the Fed’s rules don’t flatly forbid closed-door meetings, they instruct officials to avoid sharing personal policy views with anyone who could profit financially unless those views are already public.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

If, heaven forbid, something breaks or gets stolen, it will be your responsibility.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

The main reason drivers do not generally do this is that their contracts forbid it.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Even worse, he knew his mother would forbid blues-playing of any kind.

From "Clayton Byrd Goes Underground" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Vocabulary lists containing forbid

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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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