forbid
To order someone not to do something.
forbid in a sentence
- The rules forbid running beside the swimming pool.
- Mum will forbid any more sweets if we don't brush our teeth.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to forbid?
- Alet
- Ballow
- Cpermit
- Dban
Show the answer
D: ban. The other three mean the opposite of forbid.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to forbid?
- Aban
- Bbar
- Cprohibit
- Dallow
Show the answer
D: allow. The other three mean nearly the same as forbid.
Words that mean something similar
ban, prohibit, bar
Words that mean the opposite
allow, permit, let
Careful: forbid is not prohibit
Anyone in charge can forbid something. Prohibit is the official word for rules and laws. Read why children mix them up.
More words about behaviour & manners
- forsake: To leave behind someone or something you should stay with.
- frivolous: Silly and not serious, when you really ought to be sensible.
- frugal: Careful not to waste money or things.
- furtive: Done secretly, hoping nobody will notice.
- gape: To stare at something with your mouth wide open.
- glare: To stare at someone in an angry way; or that angry stare.
- gracious: Kind, polite and pleasant to others.
- grovel: To crawl or beg in an overly humble way to please someone.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test