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

For that reason, the law forbids using the new funding simply to maintain existing levels.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

One 1937 policy, known as St. Paul’s Heights, forbids any building from obstructing views of the cathedral’s dome from vantage points up to 10 miles away.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

But he cannot be deported due to a 1971 law that forbids the removal of a small group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

The Constitution forbids racial discrimination in jury selection.

From Slate ● Jun. 17, 2026

Of course, the wretched Secrets Act forbids me from inquiring about what I observed, so I’ll have to puzzle it out on my own.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin