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

"There is a regulatory vacuum because Article 4 of the 1967 treaty only forbids weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons in orbit," said space law expert Laetitia Cesari.

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

The department has long had a policy that forbids retaliation against officers who report misconduct.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026

He forbids email after 5:30 p.m., mandates 90-minute midday breaks and pays wages 20% higher than the industry average.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

A super-injunction is a court-mandated gagging order that forbids news outlets from reporting private or sensitive information.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 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