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# forbid

verb (forbid, forbids, forbade, forbidden, forbidding)

«forbid» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To say that someone must not do something; not to allow it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forbid/#m1)
2. To make something impossible (in grown-up use: «God forbid» means I hope it never happens). [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forbid/#m2)

### In the lessons

In school and safety, rules forbid running in corridors or swimming without a lifeguard; signs say «forbidden». In stories, characters often do the forbidden thing and get into trouble. Phrases: «forbid someone to do something», «forbid someone from doing», «strictly forbidden».

### Examples

- My parents forbid me to cycle on the main road. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forbid/#x1)
- Running by the pool is forbidden. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forbid/#x2)
- The rules forbid phones in class. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forbid/#x3)
- The king forbade anyone to enter the forest. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forbid/#x4)
- The forbidden door was locked. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forbid/#x5)
- Feeding the animals is strictly forbidden at the zoo. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forbid/#x6)

### Note

Irregular: forbid – forbade (said «for-BAD» or «for-BADE») – forbidden. Same meaning as «ban», «not allow»; opposite «allow, permit». Rules forbid things to keep people safe.

## In Jewish tradition

The phrase 'the LORD forbid it me' is a strong way of saying 'I would never do that'. David and Naboth use it to refuse something wrong.

**Interpretation.** Tradition reads David's words as respect for the king who is God's anointed, and Naboth's as faithfulness to the inheritance of his ancestors that the Torah protects.

### Examples

- And Naboth said to Ahab: 'The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.' (Prophets 1KI.21.3, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/F/forbid/#x1)
- And he said unto his men: 'The LORD forbid it me, that I should do this thing unto my lord, the LORD'S anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD'S anointed.' (Prophets 1SA.24.7, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/F/forbid/#x2)
- The LORD forbid it me, that I should put forth my hand against the LORD'S anointed; but now take, I pray thee, the spear that is at his head, and the cruse of water and let us go.' (Prophets 1SA.26.11, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/F/forbid/#x3)

### Note

Irregular: forbid – forbade (said «for-BAD» or «for-BADE») – forbidden. Same meaning as «ban», «not allow»; opposite «allow, permit». Rules forbid things to keep people safe.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «forbid» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forbid/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«forbid» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/forbid.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «forbid» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/F/forbid/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«forbid» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/forbid.html) on Mova free.