forbid

To forbid means to command that something not be done; it is the act of prohibiting or banning an action, behavior, or object. The word carries an inherent sense of authority and almost always implies that consequences will follow if the command is ignored. For example: "The rules explicitly forbid smoking inside the building," or "Her doctor forbade her from any strenuous exercise during her recovery."

While we often associate forbidding with specific actions ("They were forbidden to enter the archives"), it can also apply to objects or information. When we speak of "forbidden books" or "forbidden fruit," it suggests a suppression of access or a desire for something that has been declared off-limits by a higher power.

The word is often used in a few common patterns: forbid something ("The law forbids gambling here"), forbid someone from doing something ("She forbade him from calling again"), and sometimes be forbidden to do something ("Visitors are forbidden to touch the paintings"). In each case, the idea is the same: a person, rule, or authority says that an action is not allowed.

The true nuance of "forbid" lies in its unyielding strength. It is far more forceful than "discourage," "request," or "disapprove." While a teacher might encourage students to be on time, a school policy will forbid bullying. It suggests that a clear boundary has been established, and crossing it constitutes a violation. Whether it is a parental rule, a legal restriction, or an official decree, to forbid is to declare something unacceptable and prevent it from happening with the full weight of authority.