Definition And Meaning Of “Forbid”
“Forbid” is a verb that implies a restriction or order not to do something. It carries a sense of authority and obedience is expected.
The word “forbid” means to disallow or proscribe.
Authority And Obedience: Implications Of “Forbid”
When we use the word “forbid,” we imply that there is a figure of authority involved. The person or entity doing the forbidding has the power to issue the prohibition, and obedience is expected from those who are being forbidden.
This demonstrates a hierarchical relationship where one party has the authority to set rules and others are expected to follow them.
Past Tense: Understanding “Forbade”
“Forbade” is the simple past tense of the verb “forbid.” It is used to refer to something that was prohibited or disallowed in the past. For example, if someone says, “I forbade my children from watching TV yesterday,” they are indicating that they issued a prohibition in the past.
Disallowing And Proscribing: The Function Of “Forbid”
The primary function of the verb “forbid” is to disallow or proscribe something. When we say that something is forbidden, we are stating that it is not permitted or allowed.
This can be applied to a wide range of situations and activities. Some examples include “smoking in the restaurant is forbidden,” “he forbids his employees from using personal phones during work hours,” or “the sign forbids trespassing.”
Examples: Usage Of “Forbid”
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Smoking in the restaurant is forbidden. – The teacher forbade talking during exams.
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The city council forbids parking on this street. – My parents forbade me from staying out too late.
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The sign on the gate forbids entry without permission.
Other Meanings Of “Forbid”
While the main meaning of “forbid” is to disallow or proscribe, it can also encompass other related actions. These include denial, exclusion, warning off, opposition, hindrance, prevention, cursing, or challenge.
In certain contexts, “forbid” may imply a more forceful or intense form of prohibition.
Syntax: Infinitive Or Gerund
“Forbid” is a catenative verb, which means it can be followed by another verb. It can take both the to-infinitive form and the gerund (-ing) form.
For example, we can say “I forbid you to go” and “I forbid smoking in this area.”
Synonyms: Alternatives To “Forbid”
Synonyms of “forbid” include words like prohibit, disallow, ban, and veto. These words carry similar meanings and convey the idea of not permitting or allowing something.
They can be used interchangeably in most cases.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between “forbid” and “forbade” is crucial for clear communication. “Forbid” implies a restriction or order not to do something, with authority and obedience expected.
“Forbade” is the simple past tense of “forbid.” It is important to grasp the various meanings and usage examples of “forbid,” as well as its synonyms, to effectively convey and comprehend prohibition.
