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.

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

Few people would want to look for a new place in their 70s or, God forbid, 80s.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 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

Rules that forbid insider trading place special restrictions on investors who serve on company boards, receive confidential information, or hold more than 10% of its stock.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

I crossed my arms and waited for her tell me what my punishment would be, hoping she wouldn’t ground me and forbid me from going to Fall Fiesta.

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez

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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