Synonyms for

Forbidden

Verb / ˈfɔ:rbɪdʌn / / fɜ:ˈrbɪdʌn / Another word for forbidden — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not allowed; banned

Synonyms & similar words

interdict proscribed allow forestall permit proscribe forbid preclude taboo foreclose verboten nix prohibited prohibit tabu disallow prevent veto out prohibited banned barred outlawed taboo tabu restricted off-limits verboten forbade disallowed vetoed embargoed censored illegal unlawful contraband bootleg black-market

Synonyms by register

Formal

prohibited interdicted disallowed

Informal

off-limits outlawed banned

Literary

taboo anathema

Antonyms

allowed permitted legal sanctioned approved authorized licit

Common collocations

  • strictly forbidden
  • forbidden fruit
  • forbidden love
  • forbidden territory
  • forbidden to enter
  • forbidden by law
  • forbidden practice

Word family

noun forbiddance
verb forbid
adjective forbidden
adverb forbiddingly

Usage note

While 'forbidden' and 'prohibited' are often interchangeable, 'forbidden' can sometimes carry a stronger sense of moral or social disapproval. 'Forbidden' is the past participle of the verb 'forbid'.

Example sentences

  1. The park was closed and forbidden to the public.
  2. It is forbidden to touch the paintings in the museum.
  3. The teacher forbade us from speaking during the test.
  4. It is forbidden to feed the animals at the zoo.
  5. Smoking is forbidden on school grounds.

Quotes

  • The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest.
  • Desire makes everything seem new and exciting, even the things that are forbidden.
  • The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.

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