Meaning of Word
Forbidden: Something that is not allowed, prohibited, or banned by authority, rule, or law.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Forbidden: Not permitted or allowed due to laws, rules, or customs.
- Prohibited by social norms, religious practices, or ethical standards.
- A status that restricts access or actions due to explicit prohibitions.
History and Origin
The term forbidden comes from the Old English word forbēodan, meaning “to prohibit” or “command against.” It is derived from the prefix for- (meaning “completely”) and bēodan (meaning “to offer, command, or announce”). Its roots trace back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages, emphasizing strong prohibitions or bans.
Detailed Explanation
Forbidden signifies actions, behaviors, or items that are explicitly disallowed, either by law, societal norms, or moral codes. The term carries a strong sense of restriction and is often associated with authority or cultural taboos. For example, certain practices might be forbidden due to ethical concerns, legal statutes, or religious doctrines.
Example Sentences
- Smoking is forbidden in this building.
- The ancient texts describe forbidden knowledge that must not be shared.
- It is forbidden to enter the restricted area without authorization.
- The law strictly forbids any form of discrimination.
- The children were warned that it was forbidden to play near the dangerous cliffs.
- Forbidden foods are often part of religious or cultural dietary laws.
- Climbing the monument is strictly forbidden for safety reasons.
- The adventurers ignored the forbidden sign and ventured into the cave.
- In some cultures, it is forbidden to speak during certain ceremonies.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Prohibited: Officially banned or restricted by rules or laws.
- Banned: Not allowed, often through formal authority.
- Outlawed: Declared illegal or unacceptable.
- Restricted: Limited or confined by rules or boundaries.
- Taboo: Socially or culturally unacceptable.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Disallowed: Denied permission to occur.
- Illegal: Against the law or rules.
- Unauthorized: Without proper permission or approval.
- Off-limits: Restricted from access or use.
- Censured: Strongly disapproved or condemned.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Sanctioned: The opposite of forbidden, meaning allowed or approved (context-dependent).
- Barred: Prevented or excluded from something.
- Exiled: Prohibited from returning to a place.
- Reprimanded: Officially disapproved but not always forbidden.
- Inaccessible: Unable to be reached or used, often due to restrictions.
Antonyms
- Permitted: Allowed by rules or authority.
- Allowed: Given permission to proceed.
- Authorized: Officially approved or sanctioned.
- Accepted: Considered appropriate or normal.
- Encouraged: Actively supported or promoted.
