forbidden

UK: fəˈbɪd.ən | US: fərˈbɪd.ən

Definition

  1. adj. not allowed; prohibited by authority or rule

  2. vt. past participle of "forbid" (to command someone not to do something)

Structure
forbid <prohibit>en <past participle suffix>
Etymology

"Forbidden" originates from Old English forbēodan ("for-" + "bēodan"), where "for-" intensifies negation (akin to "away" or "against") and "bēodan" means "to command." Over time, "forbid" evolved to mean "prohibit," with "-en" marking its past participle form. The word reflects a strong sense of authoritative prohibition, preserving its core logic of "commanding against."

Examples

  1. Smoking is forbidden in this area.

  2. She felt like she had entered a forbidden zone.

  3. The ancient text contained forbidden knowledge.

  4. He was forbidden from leaving the house.

  5. The forbidden fruit often seems the most tempting.