Forbidden – Definition and Part of Speech
Forbidden can be used as both an adjective and a noun, although it’s most commonly employed as an adjective. As an adjective, it describes something that is prohibited or not allowed by rules or laws. When functioning as a noun (less frequently), “the forbidden” refers to things that are off-limits or taboo.
- Adjective: “The forbidden book was kept under lock and key.”
- Noun: “She succumbed to the allure of the forbidden.”
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing several synonyms for forbidden, along with brief definitions, example sentences, and notes on their style or register:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited | Officially disallowed by law or rules | “The prohibited actions include smoking in non-designated areas.” | Formal, Business |
| Banned | Forbid the use, distribution, or possession | “All banned books were removed from the library shelves.” | Informal, Semi-Formal |
| Unlawful | Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized as according to law | “Trading in unlawful substances can lead to severe penalties.” | Formal, Legal Context |
| Outlawed | Officially revoked legal rights and protection | “Gambling was once an outlawed activity in many states.” | Formal |
| Verboten | Borrowed from German, meaning strictly prohibited | “In this household, no pets are verboten.” | Informal/Casual (colloquial usage) |
| Taboo | Forbidden based on social or cultural norms | “Speaking ill of the dead is considered a taboo in many cultures.” | Academic/Semi-Formal |
| Off-limits | Not accessible to someone; restricted area | “The construction site remains off-limits for unauthorized personnel.” | Informal, Business |
Usage Notes
Understanding when and how to use these synonyms can be crucial across different contexts:
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Prohibited is typically used in official or formal contexts, such as government regulations or legal documents. It’s a strong term denoting an enforced rule.
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Banned often implies not just prohibition but also active enforcement of the ban by authorities. It’s suitable for discussions about media (e.g., banned songs or movies) and is slightly less formal than prohibited.
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Unlawful carries a legal connotation, used when referring to actions that are illegal or violate statutory laws. This term suits legal writing or discussions regarding criminal activity.
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Outlawed implies revocation of legal rights and protection against certain activities. It’s often found in historical contexts where laws change over time.
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Verboten, with its German origin, is used more informally or playfully to suggest strict prohibition.
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Taboo emphasizes social or cultural restrictions rather than official rules. It is commonly used in anthropological and sociocultural discussions.
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Off-limits generally refers to restricted access or areas rather than activities themselves and can be applied both physically (e.g., a site) and abstractly (e.g., a topic of conversation).
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing verboten with its English synonym due to its German origin. It is used more casually and should not replace formal synonyms like prohibited or unlawful in official contexts.
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Using taboo for legal prohibitions instead of cultural restrictions can lead to confusion, as it’s less about laws and more about social norms.
Final Recap
To summarize, while forbidden, prohibited, banned, unlawful, outlawed, verboten, taboo, and off-limits are all related in meaning, they carry distinct nuances suitable for different contexts. Understanding these distinctions can greatly enhance your communication skills across various registers, from the formal to the casual.
Practicing by writing sentences or engaging in conversation using these synonyms will help you grasp their subtle differences and expand your vocabulary effectively. Whether drafting a business memo or discussing cultural norms, selecting the right synonym can make your language more precise and expressive.