Master confusing words with ease
Prohibit vs. Forbid
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:
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:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Both prohibit and forbid involve disallowing actions, but prohibit often implies stronger legal or formal authority.
- Prohibit is more commonly used in formal or legal contexts, such as laws and regulations.
- Use forbid in everyday situations where someone is being prevented from doing something, often by another person's authority.
- Prohibit is typically associated with rules, laws, and formal restrictions compared to forbid.
- Remember that prohibitions are often written down and enforced by organizations or governments, while forbidding can be a personal or individual action.
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