forbade

[fer-bad, -bayd, 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.

See Examples For:

forbade

Offended and upset, some fans demanded an apology - but the band's record label, forbade the members from issuing a statement.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

After the judge forbade them from using certain PowerPoint slides, Halem’s former attorneys decided against presenting an opening statement to jurors, scuttling any possibility of a favorable outcome, Weimortz said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026

George Balanchine, the great modernist choreographer, forbade his male dancers to wear long hair or beards.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

The reason for the separation between the businesses, Corley added, had to do with a defunct local law that forbade the two establishments existing under one umbrella.

From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2026

When he asked for permission to publish articles about the early history of code breaking, the NSA forbade him to do any such thing.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield