forbid
UK[fəˈbɪd]US[fərˈbɪd]
v
To order someone not to do something, or to say that something is not allowed.
v
To make something impossible or prevent it from happening.
Morpheme Breakdown
for
bid
for
away, against
bid
to command, to offer
Etymology
The verb 'forbid' originates from the Old English compound forbēodan, formed from the prefix for- (meaning "against" or "away") and bēodan (meaning "to command" or "to offer"). The literal sense was "to command against" or "to prohibit by command." This construction is a classic example of Germanic word formation, where a prefix modifies the force of a core verb. Over time, the specific Old English forms evolved through Middle English, with bēodan simplifying to 'bid,' retaining its core sense of authoritative speech. Thus, the modern meaning logically extends from the ancient components: to issue a command that stands against a particular action.
Analysis
Structure: for (away, against) + bid (to command, to offer)
- for: A prefix from Old English, meaning "away, off, against, completely." It functions as an intensifier or negator in this compound.
- bid: A verb from Old English biddan, meaning "to ask, entreat, command, offer." It functions as the core lexical root indicating an authoritative utterance.
Examples
The law forbids smoking in all public buildings.
I forbid you to see him again.
Lack of time forbids any further discussion on the topic.