Prohibited vs. Forbidden — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
"Prohibited" often implies legal or formal bans, while "forbidden" extends to moral or social prohibitions.
Difference Between Prohibited and Forbidden
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Prohibited" typically refers to actions or activities that are not allowed by law or formal rule, often seen in contexts like legal statutes or organizational policies. Whereas "forbidden" is used more broadly to cover things that are not allowed, often involving moral, cultural, or personal reasons.
Prohibited actions usually carry implications of legal enforcement or regulatory consequences if violated. On the other hand, forbidden actions might involve moral judgment or social disapproval without legal penalties.
The term "prohibited" is commonly associated with specific and often visible postings, such as "smoking prohibited". Whereas "forbidden" is more likely used in less formal but strongly ethical contexts, such as social norms or religious commandments.
In regulatory or professional settings, prohibited is the preferred term, emphasizing official restrictions. Forbidden, however, might be used in contexts involving privacy, personal spaces, or cultural taboos.
Documentation and legal texts will typically use "prohibited" to clearly define unacceptable behaviors within a given framework. Forbidden, conversely, might appear in texts guiding moral conduct, literature, or informal advisories.
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Comparison Chart
Context
Legal, official, regulatory
Moral, ethical, personal, social
Consequences
Legal penalties, formal consequences
Social disapproval, personal guilt
Common Usage
"No smoking prohibited" in public spaces
"Forbidden to lie" in moral teachings
Enforcement
By authorities (police, regulatory bodies)
Self or community enforced
Associated Words
Ban, disallow, no-entry
Taboo, restrict, off-limits
Compare with Definitions
Prohibited
Barred from being done, shown, or used.
Advertising tobacco products on television is prohibited.
Forbidden
Barred as a moral or ethical principle.
Cheating in exams is forbidden.
Prohibited
Something that people are not permitted to do or have.
Carrying weapons onto the airplane is prohibited.
Forbidden
Expressly disallowed in terms of personal or social settings.
Discussing personal salaries at work is forbidden.
Prohibited
Officially or legally banned.
Parking is prohibited in front of the fire hydrant.
Forbidden
Restricted by authority on personal or moral grounds.
Visitors are forbidden from entering the private residence.
Prohibited
Disallowed by a governing body or authority.
Unauthorized access to the secured areas is prohibited.
Forbidden
Not allowed, especially by social custom or cultural norm.
In their culture, eating pork is forbidden.
Prohibited
Not allowed by rules or regulations.
Cellphone use during flights is prohibited.
Forbidden
Strongly discouraged or expected not to be done.
It is forbidden to speak loudly in the library.
Prohibited
That has been forbidden; banned
They had deliberately fed prohibited material to their herd
Forbidden
Not allowed; banned
A list of forbidden books
Prohibited
To forbid by authority
Smoking is prohibited in most theaters.
Forbidden
Denoting or involving a transition between two quantum-mechanical states that does not conform to some selection rule, especially for electric dipole radiation.
Prohibited
To prevent; preclude
Modesty prohibits me from saying what happened.
Forbidden
A past participle of forbid.
Prohibited
Forbidden; unallowed
Forbidden
Not allowed; not permitted
A sign at the entrance of the park lists forbidden substances, such as drugs and alcohol.
Prohibited
Simple past tense and past participle of prohibit
Forbidden
(Physics) Having a zero probability of occurrence. Used of quantum phenomena
A forbidden transition.
Prohibited
Excluded from use or mention;
Forbidden fruit
In our house dancing and playing cards were out
A taboo subject
Forbidden
Not allowed; specifically disallowed.
Prohibited
Forbidden by law
Forbidden
Inflection of forbid
Forbidden
Prohibited; interdicted.
I know no spells, use no forbidden arts.
Forbidden
Excluded from use or mention;
Forbidden fruit
In our house dancing and playing cards were out
A taboo subject
Common Curiosities
Can something be both prohibited and forbidden?
Yes, an action can be both legally prohibited and morally forbidden.
What does prohibited mean?
Prohibited refers to something that is not allowed, typically by law or formal rule.
Are the consequences for prohibited and forbidden actions the same?
No, prohibited actions often have legal penalties, whereas forbidden actions may result in social disapproval.
Where is 'prohibited' most commonly used?
'Prohibited' is most commonly used in legal, official, or formal contexts.
Where is 'forbidden' most commonly used?
'Forbidden' is often used in personal, moral, or cultural contexts.
Who enforces prohibitions?
Prohibitions are typically enforced by legal authorities or organizational bodies.
What does forbidden mean?
Forbidden means something that one is not allowed to do, often due to moral, cultural, or personal reasons.
Can companies use both terms in their policies?
Yes, companies can specify certain actions as prohibited and others as forbidden depending on the context.
Do forbidden actions have legal repercussions?
Forbidden actions may not necessarily have legal repercussions but can lead to social ostracism.
Is 'prohibited' a stronger term than 'forbidden'?
Not necessarily; the strength depends on the context and the enforcement mechanisms in place.
Who ensures compliance with forbidden rules?
Compliance with forbidden rules is often ensured by social or community norms.
How are prohibited and forbidden actions communicated to the public?
Prohibited actions are often communicated through official signage and legal texts, while forbidden actions may be conveyed through cultural teachings or informal advisories.
Do prohibitions vary from country to country?
Yes, what is prohibited can vary significantly between different legal jurisdictions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
