forbidden

[ fer-bid-n, fawr- ]

verb

1. a past participle of forbid.

adjective

1. not allowed; prohibited:

   a forbidden food in his religion.

2. Physics. involving a change in quantum numbers that is not permitted by the selection rules:

   forbidden transition.

forbidden

/ fəˈbɪdən /

adjective

1. not permitted by order or law
2. physics involving a change in quantum numbers that is not permitted by certain rules derived from quantum mechanics, esp rules for changes in the electrical dipole moment of the system

Usage

It was formerly considered incorrect to talk of forbidding someone from doing something, but in modern usage either from or to can be used: he was forbidden from entering/to enter the building

Other Words From

• for·bidden·ly adverb
• for·bidden·ness noun
• prefor·bidden adjective
• self-for·bidden adjective
• unfor·bidden adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forbidden¹

First recorded in 1200–50, for the adjective

Related Words

• outlawed
• prohibited