Forbid

Definition

Forbid refers to the act of prohibiting, disallowing, or ordering not to do something.

Parts of Speech

• Verb (transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fərˈbɪd/
• Respelling: fur-BID (with "fur" as in "fur" and "BID" as in "did")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fəˈbɪd/
• Respelling: fuh-BID (with "fuh" as in "sofa" and "BID" as in "did")

In both dialects, "forbid" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "BID." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "fur-BID" in American English and "fuh-BID" in British English.

Etymology

The word "forbid" comes from the Old English "forbeodan," which means "to command against, prohibit, ban, or prevent." This word is composed of "for," meaning "against," and "beodan," meaning "to command." The term has been used in English since the early Middle Ages, maintaining its meaning of prohibiting or preventing something.

Derivatives

• Forbidden (adjective)
• Forbidding (adjective)
• Forbiddance (noun)
• Forbidder (noun, rare)
• Unforbidden (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Prohibit
• Ban
• Disallow

Antonyms

• Allow
• Permit
• Encourage

Usage

"Forbid" is often used in legal, moral, and social contexts where authority or power is exercised to prevent certain actions or behaviors. It can refer to laws that forbid specific activities, parental rules that forbid certain behaviors, or religious commandments that forbid specific actions. The term is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Related Terms

• Prohibition
• Restriction
• Disallowance

Detailed Definition

Verb (transitive)

• To Command Against or Prevent: Refers to the act of using authority to prevent someone from doing something or to make an activity illegal.
  • Example: The law forbids smoking in public places.

• To Express Strong Disapproval of an Action: Used to indicate a strong objection or prohibition of certain actions or behaviors.
  • Example: His parents forbade him from attending the party.

• To Prevent or Hinder: In a broader sense, it can refer to making something difficult or impossible to happen.
  • Example: The rough terrain forbids easy travel through the mountains.