forbade

[fer-bad, -beyd, fawr-] / fərˈbæd, -ˈbeɪd, 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.

It forbade companies from paying dividends or buying back stock “until such time as they are able to produce a superior product, on time and on budget.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Staff at a North Korean restaurant in Dandong forbade AFP journalists from filming or taking photos of a large screen showing a patriotic music and dance performance.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

And Handorf bought land near La Puente, which he forbade his family from selling.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

In the final coup de théâtre, a black-and-white environment slowly transforms into a brilliantly green, leafy tree as Ana’s choked syllables become the “I” that her father forbade her to use.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

She pleaded to meet Elisha at the docks; but Mrs. Walter forbade it.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock