forbade
fər-ˈbad 
-ˈbād
-ˈbād
fȯr-
also forbad
fər-ˈbad
fȯr-
; forbidden
fər-ˈbi-dᵊn
fȯr-
; forbidding
1
: to proscribe (see proscribe sense 2) from or as if from the position of one in authority : command against
The law forbids stores to sell liquor to minors.
Her mother forbids her to go.
2
: to hinder or prevent as if by an effectual command
Space forbids further treatment here.
Modesty forbids telling what my part was in the affair.
forbidder
noun
Examples of forbid in a Sentence
Verb
I forbid you to go!
She was forbidden by her parents to marry him.
She was forbidden from marrying him.
The museum forbids flash photography.
The company's rules forbid dating among employees.
Recent Examples on the Web
Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 23 July 2025
In recent years, advertisers have been encroaching on news programs in ways that would have been forbidden in the past.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2025
Win or lose, the program, for the most part, pays attorney fees and forbids lawyers from taking a cut of the money paid to the injured.
—Patricia Callahan, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
Junger’s plan forbade coffee, alcohol, dairy, eggs, sugar, shellfish, deepwater fish, potatoes, tomatoes, bell pepper, eggplant, corn, wheat, meat, soy, and anything processed.
—Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for forbid
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Verb
The Department of Human Services issued a temporary injunction forbidding the woman from caring for children without an active license.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 23 July 2025
In recent years, advertisers have been encroaching on news programs in ways that would have been forbidden in the past.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2025
Win or lose, the program, for the most part, pays attorney fees and forbids lawyers from taking a cut of the money paid to the injured.
—Patricia Callahan, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
Junger’s plan forbade coffee, alcohol, dairy, eggs, sugar, shellfish, deepwater fish, potatoes, tomatoes, bell pepper, eggplant, corn, wheat, meat, soy, and anything processed.
—Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for forbid
Cite this Entry
“Forbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forbid. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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