forbid

verb

fur-BID/fɚˈbɪd/UKfuh-BID/fəˈbɪd/

Formsforbids, forbidding, forbade, forbidden

5 meanings of forbid

1
verbtransitive
To tell someone that they are not allowed to do something.
Like a 'Do Not Enter' sign that tells you to stay out.
Their parents forbid junk food during the week.
The school rules forbid phones in class.
Similarprohibit, ban, outlaw, bar, disallow
Oppositeallow, permit, authorize, sanction
Note
2
verb
To clearly order someone to stay away or to not come in.
Like telling someone they cannot come to your party.
The king forbade the knight from entering the castle.
Guards forbid visitors after dark.
Similarbar, prohibit, ban
Oppositeallow, permit
Note
3
verbtransitive
To stop or prevent something from being able to happen.
Like a locked door that keeps you from going through.
Rough seas forbid safe landing on the island.
His pride forbade any apology.
Similarprevent, preclude, block, prohibit, hinder
Oppositeallow, permit, enable
Note

Less common meanings

4
verbobsoletetransitive
To put a curse on someone or something.
He shall live a man forbid.
c. 1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”Here, forbid means cursed, living under a curse.
Note
5
verbobsoletetransitive
To openly stand against someone and dare them to act.
Note

Use it in a sentence

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Origin

From Old English forbeodan, meaning to forbid or prohibit. It comes from the parts for- (meaning 'away') and bid (meaning 'to offer or proclaim').