Meaning
Forbid means to refuse to allow something, or to order someone not to do something. It expresses prohibition or restriction.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb (irregular; forbid – forbade/forbad – forbidden).
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Transitive verb: It requires an object.
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Typical pattern:
- forbid sb to do sth
- forbid sb from doing sth (less formal)
- forbid sth
Examples:
- They forbade us to enter the room.
- Smoking is forbidden in the library.
Common Phrases
- forbid entry
- forbid smoking
- God forbid (idiomatic, expressing a strong wish that something does not happen)
Collocations
- strictly forbid
- absolutely forbid
- forbid access
- forbid marriage
- forbid children from
Examples
- The school forbids students to use mobile phones during class.
- The law forbids the sale of alcohol to minors.
- She was forbidden by her parents to stay out late.
- The museum strictly forbids touching the exhibits.
- The country forbids the import of certain goods.
- God forbid that something should happen to the children.
- The manager forbade employees from discussing salaries.
- The rules forbid any kind of cheating in the exam.
Synonyms or Related
- prohibit
- ban
- restrict
- prevent
Antonym
- allow
- permit
- authorize
