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tr.v. for·bade (-băd, -bād) or for·bad (-băd), for·bid·den (-bĭdn) or for·bid, for·bid·ding, for·bids 1. To command (someone) not to do something: I forbid you to go. 2. To command against the doing or use of (something); prohibit: forbid smoking on trains. 3. To have the effect of preventing; preclude: Discretion forbids a reply. [Middle English forbidden, forbeden, from Old English forbēodan; see bheudh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] for·biddance n. for·bidder n. Synonyms: forbid, ban1, prohibit, proscribe These verbs mean to refuse to allow: laws that forbid speeding; banned smoking in restaurants; rules that prohibit loitering; proscribed the importation of certain fruits. Antonym: permit1 |
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