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

The Constitution forbids racial discrimination in jury selection.

From Slate ● Jun. 17, 2026

The RFU stipulates a "zero-tolerance approach" to discrimination and harassment and forbids public comment that could damage the game or the union's reputation.

From BBC ● Jun. 9, 2026

Su, Stratos and another of his companies are on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, which forbids U.S. businesses from exporting to listed companies without approval.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 24, 2026

Of course, these are only paper profits, and the agreement the U.S. reached with Intel forbids the government from selling shares before Aug. 27.

From Barron's ● May 8, 2026

“In his night-shirt he chased the Sister on duty and absolutely forbids anyone at all to go near his bed. Yesterday he got up and went to wash in the coal-box.”

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman