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

• forbiddenly adverb
• forbiddenness noun
• preforbidden adjective
• self-forbidden adjective
• unforbidden adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forbidden¹

First recorded in 1200–50, for the adjective

Example Sentences

They didn’t realize the house sits on 90 acres and unpermitted commercial activity is forbidden anywhere on the property, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The prime minister's chief of staff McSweeney was called out of a meeting in a secure room in Whitehall where mobile communications are forbidden.

From BBC

"All the looks across the room, the forbidden little touches and everything - it's all there."

From BBC

She says relatives tried to get in touch with her daughters but were told this was "forbidden".

From BBC

“In fact, the evidence cuts in the opposite direction. Abortion not only lacked long-standing protection in American law – it had long been forbidden.”

From Salon

Related Words

• outlawed www.thesaurus.com
• prohibited