forbidden
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /fərˈbɪdən/
KK: /fɚˈbɪdən/
adjective
Definition
Not allowed or permitted by rules or laws.
Example
The students were warned not to enter the forbidden area of the school.
Conversation
Did you hear that climbing that mountain is forbidden now?
Really? I didn’t know it was against the rules.
Yeah, they say it's too dangerous.
That makes sense, but it’s such a shame!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
prohibited
banned
taboo
Antonyms
allowed
permitted
accepted
verb
Definition
Not allowed or permitted; something that is prohibited.
Example
The rules state that smoking is forbidden in the building.
Tense Forms
Past: forbade
Past Participle: forbidden
Conversation
Did you hear about the party that got forbidden by the school?
Yeah, I heard it was because they didn't get permission.
It's crazy how they forbidden it at the last minute.
Root Explanation
Forbidden → It is formed from "for-" (meaning away or against) and "bidden" (from Old English "biddan", meaning to ask or command). The word "forbidden" means something that is commanded to be kept away from or not allowed.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'commanded away' — 'for-' means against, and 'bidden' means to ask or command.
Visually Confused Words
unforbidden
preforbidden
unforbiddenly
ridden