Master confusing words with ease
Forbid vs. Prohibit
Forbid
/fəˈbɪd/Examples:
Remember sarcasm is forbidden and sincerity the order of the day.—Emma blushed, and forbade its being pronounced in her hearing.The difference between our ages, tastes, and habits, forbids it.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Prohibit
/prəˈhɪbət/Examples:
South End is prohibited, if you please.The building's entry is prohibited to all pets.Smoking is prohibited within the premises of this facility.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Prohibit often implies a formal or legal prevention of something, frequently through rules or laws.
- Prohibit tends to suggest a broader, institutional restriction that is harder to bypass.
- Forbid is often more personal and can indicate an immediate or direct order not to do something.
- Forbid might be used in everyday conversation to describe interpersonal restrictions.
- You can think of prohibit as a term used by organizations and forbid as a term used by individuals.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd