First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1forbid
verb for·bid \fər-ˈbid, fȯr-\
: to order (someone) not to do something
: to say that (something) is not allowed
for·bade\-ˈbad, -ˈbād\ also for·bad\-ˈbad\for·bid·den\-ˈbi-dən\for·bid·ding
Full Definition of FORBID
transitive verb
1
: to proscribe from or as if from the position of one in authority : command against <the law forbids stores to sell liquor to minors> <her mother forbids her to go>
2
: to hinder or prevent as if by an effectual command <space forbids further treatment here>
— for·bid·der noun
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Origin of FORBID
Middle English forbidden, from Old English forbēodan, from for- + bēodan to bid — more at bid
Related to FORBID
Synonym Discussion of FORBID
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 <smoking is forbidden in the building>. prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations <prohibited the sale of liquor>. interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose <practices interdicted by the church>. inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation <conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade>.
2forbid
adjective
Definition of FORBID
archaic : accursed <he shall live a man forbid — Shakespeare>
First Known Use of FORBID
1606
FORBAD Defined for Kids
forbid
verb for·bid \fər-ˈbid\
for·bade \-ˈbad\for·bid·den \-ˈbi-dən\for·bid·ding
Definition of FORBID for Kids
: to order not to do something <I forbid you to go!>
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