Meaning of Word
Forbid: To command someone not to do something; to prohibit or ban an action, behavior, or occurrence.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Forbid: To officially or formally prohibit something by authority, rule, or law.
- To prevent or hinder something from happening through command or control.
- To express strong disapproval or restriction regarding an action or practice.
History and Origin
The term forbid originates from the Old English word forbēodan, meaning “to prohibit, ban, or command against.” It is a combination of for- (completely or intensively) and bēodan (to command or announce). The word has roots in Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages, reflecting its longstanding association with authority and control.
Detailed Explanation
Forbid is a verb used to describe an action taken to stop someone or something from engaging in a particular behavior. It implies a clear command or prohibition, often backed by legal, moral, or social authority. The act of forbidding can apply to various contexts, such as laws, personal boundaries, or cultural traditions. For example, parents may forbid certain activities for their children, or governments may forbid acts deemed harmful or illegal.
Example Sentences
- The school forbids students from using mobile phones during classes.
- Smoking is strictly forbidden in public places by law.
- The company forbids employees from disclosing confidential information.
- His parents forbade him from attending the late-night party.
- The rules forbid anyone from entering the premises after hours.
- Religious customs may forbid the consumption of certain foods.
- The doctor forbade her from engaging in strenuous physical activity.
- Ancient traditions forbade outsiders from accessing sacred sites.
- They were forbidden by law to carry weapons in the building.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Prohibit: To officially disallow something by authority or law.
- Ban: To completely restrict or outlaw an activity or item.
- Restrict: To limit or confine actions within set boundaries.
- Disallow: To refuse permission for something to happen.
- Outlaw: To declare something illegal or unacceptable.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Censure: To express strong disapproval of an action or behavior.
- Sanction: To impose restrictions or penalties as a form of control.
- Deny: To refuse to allow access or permission.
- Hinder: To create obstacles that prevent something from happening.
- Oppose: To actively resist or be against something.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Restricting: Limiting actions or access through rules.
- Excluding: Preventing participation or involvement.
- Condemning: Expressing strong disapproval, often leading to forbidding.
- Inhibiting: Creating psychological or physical barriers.
- Blocking: Stopping progress or movement entirely.
Antonyms
- Allow: To grant permission or approval for something.
- Permit: To authorize or let something happen.
- Approve: To formally agree or accept an action.
- Encourage: To support or promote an activity or behavior.
- Authorize: To give official permission or power to do something.