Forbid

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Forbid (verb) ( fo bi:d ) = to officially or authoritatively order someone not to do something; to prohibit an action, activity, or behaviour; to make something not allowed, often with the sense of strong moral, legal, or personal authority. (V2 Forbade ( fo beyt) V3 forbidden ( fo bi dın )

When someone says “forbid,” it feels like a firm command coming from someone with power over you — parents forbid kids from doing things, laws forbid certain actions, religions forbid behaviours. It’s stronger and more serious than “don’t allow” or “ban,” carrying a sense of moral weight or absolute authority. People use it most in family rules, religious contexts, formal warnings, and dramatic statements. The core feeling is “this is not permitted — and I mean it.”

MEANING 1: Authoritatively prohibit (Most common use) — VERY COMMON

This is how forbid is used 90% of the time: someone in authority (parent, teacher, law, religion, boss) says something is not allowed. Parents forbid teenagers from going out late, schools forbid cheating, and laws forbid driving without a license. It often implies punishment if the rule is broken. The tone is serious, sometimes moral or protective.

📌 Vivid example:
Before leaving the house, her father looks her straight in the eye and forbids her from driving the car at night, reminding her that if she disobeys, the keys will be taken away for good.

MEANING 2: Strongly advise against / make impossible (Figurative)

In more dramatic or literary language, forbid can mean something is unthinkable or impossible — often in the phrase “God forbid” (meaning “I hope that never happens”) or “heaven forbid.” It’s less about rules and more about expressing a strong wish against something bad happening.

📌 Vivid example:
When someone jokes about the project failing, she quickly responds, “God forbid,” crossing her fingers and shaking her head as if the thought itself should never be allowed to become real.

FORBID vs BAN vs PROHIBIT: Important Distinction

Forbid feels personal and authoritative (parents forbid, teachers forbid). Ban is more official/public (government bans, school bans phones). Prohibit is the most formal/legal term, often used in signs and laws. Forbid is the most emotional and common in spoken family/religious contexts.

Examples from the street:

• “My parents forbid me from going to parties” → they strictly don’t allow it
• “God forbid anything happens to them” → I really hope nothing bad happens
• “The rules forbid using phones in exams” → it’s officially not permitted

2. Most Common Patterns

Forbid as authoritative prohibition — VERY COMMON:

• forbid + someone + to + verb → tell someone they are not allowed to do something
• forbid + noun (activity / action / behaviour) → prohibit a specific thing
• be forbidden to + verb → passive: not allowed to do something
• forbid + someone + from + gerund → prevent from doing (slightly more formal)

Forbid in fixed expressions:

• God / heaven forbid → expressing strong hope against something bad
• forbidden fruit → something attractive because it’s not allowed
• strictly forbidden → very strongly prohibited

3. Phrasal Verbs

Note: “Forbid” doesn’t form common phrasal verbs — these are related expressions:

• rule out → forbid or make impossible as an option
  Example: “We can’t rule out the possibility of rain tomorrow.”
• say no to → refuse or forbid something (more casual)
  Example: “My parents always say no to late-night outings.”
• put a stop to → forbid or end an activity forcefully
  Example: “The teacher put a stop to all talking during the test.”

4. Example Sentences

1. My parents forbid me to go out after midnight
   → My mother and father strictly prohibit me from leaving the house late at night.
2. The school rules forbid chewing gum in class
   → The institution’s regulations do not permit gum inside lessons.
3. Students are forbidden to use calculators during the exam
   → Learners are not allowed to operate electronic math tools while testing.
4. The law forbids driving without insurance
   → Legislation makes operating a vehicle uninsured illegal.
5. God forbid we ever lose electricity during the storm
   → I sincerely hope we never experience a power cut in bad weather.
6. She forbade her children from watching violent movies
   → The mother prevented her kids from viewing aggressive films.
7. Smoking is forbidden in all indoor areas
   → Cigarette use is completely prohibited everywhere inside buildings.
8. The coach forbids players to argue with referees
   → The trainer does not allow team members to dispute officials’ decisions.
9. Heaven forbid anything should happen to the children
   → I desperately hope no harm comes to the young ones.
10. The religion forbids eating pork
    → The faith strictly prohibits consumption of pig meat.

5. Personal Examples

1. I never forbid students to ask questions in class — even silly ones help them build confidence
   → I avoid prohibiting learners from raising inquiries during lessons — even humorous ones support their self-assurance.
2. Some teachers forbid speaking the mother tongue — I allow it only for quick explanations so students feel safe
   → Certain instructors prohibit use of the native language — I permit it briefly for clear instructions to keep learners comfortable.

6. Register: Slightly Formal to Dramatic

✔ Native usage tips

• Forbid sounds more serious and authoritative than “don’t let” or “ban” — parents and teachers use it a lot
• “God forbid” / “heaven forbid” are extremely common fixed expressions for expressing horror at the thought of something bad
• British and American use is the same — but Brits might say “forbidden” more in signs (“No entry — forbidden”)
• Past tense “forbade” is quite formal/literary — in casual speech people often say “told me not to” instead
• “Forbidden fruit” is a very common idiom for something tempting because it’s not allowed
• “Forbid” feels old-fashioned in very casual talk — younger people say “not allowed” more

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Ban → more public/official (government bans); forbid feels more personal/authoritative
• Prohibit → very formal/legal; used in laws and signs; less emotional than forbid
• Not allow → most common casual alternative; neutral and everyday