Forbidding
/fərˈbɪdɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing fear or dislike; unfriendly or threatening in appearance.
/fərˈbɪdɪŋ/
Appearing unfriendly or dangerous; threatening.
The forbidding landscape of the desert made the explorers cautious.
💡 Simply: When something looks or feels unwelcoming and a little scary, like a grumpy-looking guard, it's forbidding. It makes you want to turn around and go the other way!
👶 For kids: When something looks scary or like it doesn't want you to come near it.
More Examples
The dark, forbidding clouds suggested an approaching storm.
The old house had a forbidding atmosphere, and no one dared to enter.
How It's Used
"The castle had a forbidding appearance, with its dark stone walls and imposing towers."
"The forbidding cliffs made climbing the mountain a dangerous task."
The present participle of the verb 'forbid', meaning to prohibit or prevent someone from doing something.
/fərˈbɪdɪŋ/
Prohibiting or denying something.
The rules of the park are forbidding the use of personal barbecues.
💡 Simply: If someone is saying 'No!' to something you want to do, they're forbidding it. Like when your mom says 'No video games before homework!'.
👶 For kids: When someone tells you, 'You can't do that!'
More Examples
The company is forbidding employees from accessing certain websites.
The church is forbidding the practice of drinking alcohol during the ceremony.
How It's Used
"The law is forbidding the use of mobile phones while driving."
"The school is forbidding the students to bring video games."
From Middle English *forbeden*, from Old English *forbēodan* ('to forbid'), from *for-* ('against, away') + *bēodan* ('to bid, command').
Historically, the word 'forbidding' was used similarly to its modern context, emphasizing a prohibition or an uninviting presence. Early usages often referred to deities or powerful figures imposing restrictions.
Memory tip
Imagine a dark, imposing castle. If it looks scary, it's forbidding.