| 1. | to command (a person) not to do something, have something, etc., or not to enter some place: to forbid him entry to the house. |
| 2. | to prohibit (something); make a rule or law against: to forbid the use of lipstick; to forbid smoking. |
| 3. | to hinder or prevent; make impossible. |
| 4. | to exclude; bar: Burlesque is forbidden in many cities. |
for·bid (fər-bĭd', fôr-) tr.v. for·bade (-bād', -bād') or for·bad (-bād'), for·bid·den (-bĭd'n) or for·bid, for·bid·ding, for·bids
[Middle English forbidden, forbeden, from Old English forbēodan; see bheudh- in Indo-European roots.] for·bid'dance n., for·bid'der n. Synonyms: These verbs mean to refuse to allow: laws that forbid speeding; banned smoking; was enjoined from broadcasting; interdict trafficking in drugs; rules that prohibit loitering; proscribed the importation of certain fruits. |