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.

Displays of it, particularly in architecture or public art, are often perceived as tacky, kitschy or, heaven forbid, nouveau riche.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 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

Ottawa did not forbid Canadians from downloading the TikTok app or posting content on the digital platform.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Or, God forbid, should I find someone to marry just for the purpose of taking care of me in my twilight years?

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

Mother must have felt guilty after the recital, because in the weeks that followed she searched for something else I could do, something Dad wouldn’t forbid.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

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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