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

It also forbids the branch’s Egyptian headquarters or any other bank from transacting with U.S. banks on its behalf.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

The Fourth Amendment, the court reasoned, forbids the police from seizing people and searching them without some individualized suspicion that they have committed or are committing a crime.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander