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forbid

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /fərˈbɪd/

KK: /fərˈbɪd/

transitive verb
Definition

To tell someone that they are not allowed to do something or that something is not allowed.


Example

The teacher will forbid students from using their phones during the exam.


Tense Forms

Past: forbade

Past Participle: forbidden


Conversation
Sloth A
I can't believe they forbid us from using our phones at school.
Sloth B
I know, right? It seems so outdated.
Sloth A
Yeah, it's frustrating because we could use them for research.
Sloth B
Exactly! It's like they're trying to control everything we do.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
prohibit
ban
interdict
Antonyms
allow
permit
enable
Root Explanation

Forbid → It is formed from "for-" (meaning away or against) and "biddan" (meaning to ask or command). The word "forbid" means to command someone to stay away from or not to do something.

Memory Tip

Think of being told to stay 'away' ('for-') from something you are 'commanded' ('biddan') not to do.

Visually Confused Words
unforbid
reforbid
morbid
florid
ford
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