forbid
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for forbid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To order someone not to do something; to prohibit.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use forbid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
forbid someone from
strictly forbidden
Etymology
From Old English forbēodan, built from for- ("away") + a root meaning "to command" — related to German verbieten.
Full origin of forbid →Frequently asked questions
What does “forbid” mean?
The word “forbid” means to order someone not to do something; to prohibit. In plain terms, to officially say someone is not allowed to do something.
How do you pronounce “forbid”?
“Forbid” is pronounced fuh-BIHD (/fɚˈbɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “forbid” in a sentence?
Here is “forbid” used in a sentence: “The school forbids the use of phones during exams.”
What is another word for “forbid”?
Words with a similar meaning to “forbid” include prohibit, disallow, ban and veto.
What part of speech is “forbid”?
“Forbid” is a verb.
Where does the word “forbid” come from?
The word “forbid” comes from Old English. From Old English forbēodan, built from for- ("away") + a root meaning "to command" — related to German verbieten.
Is “forbid” a common word?
“Forbid” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between forbid and prohibit?
Forbid and prohibit both mean to order that something not be done, but forbid tends to sound more personal and is common in everyday speech, while prohibit is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts. You might say a parent forbids a child from doing something, but a law prohibits an activity.
What is the correct grammar after forbid: 'forbid to' or 'forbid from'?
Traditional grammar uses 'forbid someone to do something' (forbid + to-infinitive), as in 'I forbid you to go,' though 'forbid someone from doing something' has also become common in modern usage. Both forms are widely understood, but the to-infinitive form is considered more formally correct.
What is the past tense of forbid?
The past tense of forbid is forbade (or the less common forbad), and the past participle is forbidden. These irregular forms are used in sentences such as 'She forbade him to enter' or 'He was forbidden from entering.'
