forbid, prohibit, interdict, inhibit mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done. forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

FORBID definition: 1. to refuse to allow something, especially officially, or to prevent a particular plan of action…. Learn more.

Definition of forbid verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

These verbs mean to refuse to allow: laws that forbid speeding; banned smoking in restaurants; rules that prohibit loitering; proscribed the importation of certain fruits.

If you forbid someone to do something, or if you forbid an activity, you order that it must not be done. They'll forbid you to marry. She was shut away and forbidden to read.

Feb 10, 2026 · Verb forbid (third-person singular simple present forbids, present participle forbidding, simple past forbade or forbad or (nonstandard) forbidded or forbid, past participle forbidden) …

FORBID definition: to command (a person) not to do something, have something, etc., or not to enter some place. See examples of forbid used in a sentence.

Forbid, inhibit, prohibit, taboo indicate a command to refrain from some action. Forbid, a common and familiar word, usually denotes a direct or personal command of this sort: I forbid you to go.

When you forbid something, you refuse to allow it. You might have heard your parents say things like, "I forbid you to play ball in the house!" or "I forbid you to have any more parties when we're not home!"

To forbid means to officially or authoritatively command or instruct someone not to do something; to disallow, prohibit or prevent a certain action or behavior.