forbiddance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2 level vocabulary, primarily formal/legal contexts)Formal, Legal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “forbiddance” mean?
The act of forbidding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of forbidding; a formal prohibition or ban.
The state of being forbidden; an authoritative command against something. Can also refer to the legal or official prevention of an action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both dialects. Slightly more likely in British legal/archaic contexts.
Connotations
Formal, somewhat archaic, authoritative.
Frequency
Very low frequency; 'prohibition' is vastly more common in all contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “forbiddance” in a Sentence
the forbiddance of [noun]a forbiddance against [noun/gerund]under forbiddanceVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal contracts or policies: 'The agreement includes a forbiddance on sharing trade secrets.'
Academic
Used in legal, historical, or sociological texts discussing laws, taboos, or norms.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound overly formal or archaic.
Technical
Primarily in legal documents or religious texts outlining prohibitions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forbiddance”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forbiddance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forbiddance”
- Using it in casual speech. Confusing it with 'forbiddenness' (the state of being forbidden). Incorrect pluralisation ('forbiddances' is correct but rare).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. 'Prohibition' or 'ban' are far more common in modern English.
'Forbiddance' often implies a specific, authoritative act of forbidding, sometimes with a moral or legal weight. 'Prohibition' is broader, more neutral, and more common, referring to the general action of forbidding.
No. The verb form is 'forbid'. 'Forbiddance' is only a noun.
It is exceptionally rare in both. There is no significant difference in usage between the dialects.
The act of forbidding.
Forbiddance is usually formal, legal, literary in register.
Forbiddance: in British English it is pronounced /fəˈbɪd(ə)ns/, and in American English it is pronounced /fərˈbɪdns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “under strict forbiddance”
- “lay down a forbiddance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FORBID' + 'DANCE'. Imagine a sign that says 'FORBID DANCE' – it's a forbiddance against dancing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A forbiddance is a WALL or BARRIER (preventing action). A forbiddance is a COMMAND FROM ABOVE (implying authority).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'forbiddance' LEAST likely to be used?