Forbid Meaning in English

word

US

/fɝˈbɪd/

fur-BID

UK

/fəbˈɪd/

fuh-BID

Definition

To officially or clearly say that something is not allowed. It can be used for rules, authority, or strong moral disapproval.

Usage & Nuances

Common patterns are 'forbid someone to do something' and 'forbid something'. It is stronger and more formal than 'not allow'. In fixed phrases like 'God forbid', it expresses a strong wish that something bad does not happen.

• Spanish: prohibir
• Portuguese (BR): proibir
• Portuguese (PT): proibir
• Chinese (Simplified): 禁止
• Chinese (Traditional): 禁止
• Hindi: मना करना - निषेध करना
• Arabic: يمنع - يحرّم
• Bengali: নিষেধ করা - মানা করা
• Russian: запрещать - воспрещать
• Japanese: 禁じる - 禁止する
• Vietnamese: cấm
• Korean: 금하다 - 금지하다
• Turkish: yasaklamak
• Urdu: منع کرنا
• Indonesian: melarang - melarang keras

Example Sentences

My parents forbid me to stay out late.

basic

The school forbids phones in class.

basic

The sign forbids smoking here.

basic

They forbade any photos during the meeting.

natural

Her doctor forbade her from driving for a week.

natural

God forbid, what if that happens again?

natural