Forbidding

/fərˈbɪdɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Having a grim or menacing appearance; appearing unfriendly or threatening.

The storm clouds loomed overhead, creating a forbidding atmosphere.

Strictly disallowing or prohibiting something.

The school's forbidding rules against running in the hallways kept students walking.

Difficult to approach or deal with due to intimidating barriers or circumstances.

The castle stood on a forbidding cliff, making it hard to reach.

Giving the impression that something bad will happen.

His forbidding glare made it clear that he was not in the mood for jokes.

From Old English 'forbid(en)', from 'for-' meaning 'completely' and 'bid' meaning 'to command or order'.

forbidding atmosphere

An environment that feels unwelcoming or threatening.

forbidding presence

An individual whose demeanor instills fear or respect.

forbidding look

A glance that conveys disapproval or threat.

forbid

To prevent someone from doing something.

forbiddingness

The quality of being forbidding.

Intimidating or daunting.

That teacher is really forbidding; no one wants to ask for help.

Unfriendly or cold in behavior.

The bouncer's forbidding attitude kept everyone in line.