forbid

for-bid · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To order someone not to do something; to prohibit.

  2. 2.

    To refuse to allow something.

  3. 3.

    To make something impossible; to prevent.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    God forbid — used to express a hope that something will not happen
  • •
    Heaven forbid — same as "God forbid"
  • •
    forbidden fruit — something desirable but not allowed

Related words

Antonyms: allow, authorize, permit
See also: ban, forbidden, prohibit
Synonyms: ban, bar, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe

Etymology

From Old English forbēodan ("to forbid, prohibit"), from for- (against) + bēodan ("to command"). Related to German verbieten.