forbidden

American  

[fer-bid-n, fawr-] / fərˈbɪd n, fɔr- /

verb

1. a past participle of forbid.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of forbidden

First recorded in 1200–50, for the adjective

Example Sentences

Note that tipping TSA agents isn’t allowed because federal workers are forbidden from accepting gratuities for performing official duties.

From The Wall Street Journal

Visitors can even pay to spend a few hours working in the writing room of Mark Twain’s Connecticut house, although sitting at his desk is—oddly—forbidden.

From The Wall Street Journal

There was just one problem, write Robert O’Connell and Laine Higgins: Johnston, a senior shooting guard for High Point University, is usually forbidden from attempting a shot anywhere near the rim.

From The Wall Street Journal

There was just one problem: Johnston, a senior shooting guard for High Point University, is usually forbidden from attempting a shot anywhere near the rim.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then we were all singing together, the full voice of Holland singing her forbidden anthem.

From Literature

Related Words

• outlawed
• prohibited