adj
forbidding
fuh-BIH-dihng
adj
1
Looking unfriendly, threatening, or unwelcoming.
"The old mansion had a forbidding, gothic look to it."
"Dark clouds gave the mountain a forbidding appearance."
How to Use Forbidding
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something that looks intimidating or discourages you from approaching.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "forbidden" — forbidding describes an unfriendly appearance, while forbidden means "not allowed."
Easily confused with
Word Forms
more forbidding comparative, forbiddings plural, most forbidding superlative
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The old mansion had a _____, gothic look to it.
Etymology
From forbid + -ing.