I. fər-ˈbid, fȯr- transitive verb
( for·bade -ˈbad, -ˈbād ; also for·bad -ˈbad ; for·bid·den -ˈbi-d ə n ; -bid·ding )
Etymology: Middle English forbidden, from Old English forbēodan, from for- + bēodan to bid — more at bid
Date: before 12th century
1. : to proscribe from or as if from the position of one in authority : command against
the law forbid s stores to sell liquor to minors
her mother forbid s her to go
2. : to hinder or prevent as if by an effectual command
space forbid s further treatment here
• for·bid·der noun
Synonyms:
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
II. adjective
Date: 1606
archaic : accursed
he shall live a man forbid — Shakespeare