Forbid — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb adjective /fər-ˈbid/ for·bid

Meaning & Definition of Forbid

Forbid (verb)

  1. to proscribe from or as if from the position of one in authority, command against
  2. to hinder or prevent as if by an effectual command

Forbid (adjective)

  1. accursed

Forbid (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to order not to do or use or to be done or used

    "smoking is forbidden throughout the building"

    "we forbid you to see him"

    similar: ban, bar, enjoin, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe
    related: deter, discourage, dissuade, clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress, halt, preclude, prevent, stop, embargo, exclude, rule out, shut out, debar, deprive, disallow, reject, repudiate, veto, bridle, check, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain, block, hinder, impede, obstruct
    opposite: allow, let, permit, suffer
    near: approve, endorse, sanction, authorize, license, warrant, abet, advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, nourish, nurture, promote, support, bid, command, order, abide, bear, brook, countenance, endure, tolerate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Forbid

The most common words with a similar meaning to Forbid:

ban, bar, enjoin, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Forbid

Words with the opposite meaning of Forbid:

allow, let, permit, suffer

Related Words for Forbid

deter, discourage, dissuade, clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress, halt, preclude, prevent, stop, embargo, exclude, rule out, shut out, debar, deprive, disallow, reject, repudiate, veto

Near Antonyms of Forbid

approve, endorse, sanction, authorize, license, warrant, abet, advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, nourish, nurture, promote, support, bid, command, order, abide, bear, brook, countenance, endure, tolerate

Word Forms of Forbid

Inflections: forbade, forbad, forbidden, forbidding

Derived words: forbidder (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Forbid

Middle English forbidden, from Old English forbēodan, from for- + bēodan to bid bid:1

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Forbid

Words & Phrases Containing Forbid

God/heaven forbid

Frequently Asked Questions about Forbid

What does "Forbid" mean?

"Forbid" means to proscribe from or as if from the position of one in authority, command against. As an a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: to proscribe from or as if from the position of one in authority, command against.

What is another word for "Forbid"?

Other words for "Forbid" include ban, bar, enjoin, interdict, outlaw, prohibit and proscribe. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Forbid" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Forbid"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Forbid". Common alternatives include ban, bar, enjoin, interdict, outlaw, prohibit and proscribe.

What is the opposite of "Forbid"?

Antonyms of "Forbid" include allow, let, permit and suffer. Near antonyms include approve, endorse, sanction and authorize.

How do you use "Forbid" in a sentence?

Examples of "Forbid" in a sentence: "smoking is forbidden throughout the building"; "we forbid you to see him".

Is "Forbid" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Forbid" can be used as a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Forbid" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Forbid" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Forbid"?

"Forbid" is pronounced /fər-ˈbid/ and divided into syllables as for·bid.