“Forbid” and “prohibit” are verbs that both mean to disallow or prevent something, but they are used in different contexts. “Forbid” is often used in personal or informal situations, while “prohibit” is typically used in formal or legal contexts. This lesson will define each word and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Forbid
Definition:
“Forbid” means to disallow or prevent something, often in a personal or informal context.
Examples of use:
Their coach forbids them from missing any Saturday practice.
She forbade her children from watching TV before finishing their homework.
The teacher forbids students from using their phones during class.
Prohibit
Definition:
“Prohibit” means to formally disallow or prevent something, often in a legal or official context.
Examples of use:
The school prohibits them from leaving the grounds at lunch.
The law prohibits smoking in all public indoor areas.
The new regulations prohibit the use of certain chemicals in manufacturing.
“Forbid” is used for personal or informal restrictions, while “prohibit” is used for formal or legal restrictions. Understanding these nuances helps ensure that you use the correct term in the appropriate context, enhancing the clarity and precision of your communication.
