Forbid vs. Prohibit: What's the Difference?
Forbid and prohibit are verbs that relate to the act of making something not allowed, but they are used in slightly different contexts. Forbid often implies a direct command not to do something, frequently with authority or moral implications behind the directive. Prohibit tends to be less personal and more official or legal, suggesting a rule or law prevents an action from being carried out.
How do you use the word forbid in a sentence?
The word forbid is often used in the context of authoritative figures, such as parents or managers, giving commands. It conveys a strong message, typically within personal or informal rules. You use forbid when there's an implication of power or moral authority involved, and it's often a direct command to an individual or group.
Examples of forbid in a sentence
- I forbid you to see that person again; they are a bad influence.
- My doctor absolutely forbids smoking for the sake of my health.
- The school handbook forbids the use of mobile phones during class time.
How do you use the word prohibit in a sentence?
Prohibit is typically used in formal contexts, often referring to laws, regulations, or official rules. It conveys a sense of legal or formal prevention, where particular behaviors are not permitted under established guidelines. Prohibit is less about the immediate authority of an individual and more about the impersonal force of policy or law.
Examples of prohibit in a sentence
- The new law prohibits texting while driving to increase road safety.
- Company policy strictly prohibits any form of harassment in the workplace.
- Federal regulations prohibit the use of certain chemicals in food production.
Forbid and prohibit definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Forbid definition:
Forbid is a verb meaning to command someone not to do something, or to say that something is not allowed.
Forbid parts of speech:
Forbid pronunciation:
Forbid is pronounced as /fərˈbɪd/.
Prohibit definition:
Prohibit is a verb that means to formally forbid a person or group from doing something, typically by law or regulation.
Prohibit parts of speech:
Prohibit pronunciation:
Prohibit is pronounced as /proʊˈhɪbɪt/.
Forbid is a verb meaning to command someone not to do something, or to say that something is not allowed.
Forbid parts of speech:
- The principal forbids running in the hallways. (verb)
- They issued a forbidding warning, making everyone hesitant to proceed. (adjective)
Forbid pronunciation:
Forbid is pronounced as /fərˈbɪd/.
Prohibit definition:
Prohibit is a verb that means to formally forbid a person or group from doing something, typically by law or regulation.
Prohibit parts of speech:
- The city ordinance prohibits the disposal of toxic materials in the lake. (verb)
- The prohibitive cost of the treatment made it inaccessible to many. (adjective)
Prohibit pronunciation:
Prohibit is pronounced as /proʊˈhɪbɪt/.
Forbid vs. prohibit in a nutshell
While both forbid and prohibit deal with prevention and restriction, their contexts and implications differ. Forbid conveys a personal command, often implying authority or ethical constraint, whereas prohibit denotes formal restrictions, typically underwritten by law or official policy. Understanding the subtle nuances between them empowers you to use each word correctly, delivering your message with precision and authority.
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