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 Word Forms

• 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

Example Sentences

"Russians are trying to ban everything Ukrainian here: language, and also traditions. Even Ukrainian holidays are forbidden."

From BBC

Last week, the Israeli military dropped fliers above Koawaya, telling villagers they were forbidden from having arms when they moved around in the village and its environs.

From Los Angeles Times

That gives the anti-vaccine message an allure of "forbidden" knowledge, making it even more powerful than if he just came right out and said what he really thinks.

From Salon

Last year, while Republicans were trying to de-gay the flagpoles of our embassies, the world also learned that Russia’s Supreme Court declared the rainbow flag was forbidden in its country.

From Los Angeles Times

Soleimanpour wrote the play after he was forbidden to leave his country for refusing military service.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• outlawed
• prohibited