verbieten
Translation
to forbid, to prohibit, to ban
Examples
Der Arzt verbietet ihm das Rauchen.
The doctor forbids him to smoke.
Hier ist das Parken verboten.
Parking is forbidden here.
Grammar Patterns
((to forbid)) ((sb.)) ((sth.)) to forbid sb. sth. The doctor forbids him smoking.
((to forbid)) ((sb.)) ((to do sth.)) to forbid sb. to do sth. She forbids her son to watch TV.
Similar Words
Synonyms: untersagen, nicht erlauben; Antonyms: erlauben, gestatten
Etymology
Prefix 'ver-' (often has a negative or completive meaning) + 'bieten' (to offer). The sense evolved to mean not offering permission.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'forbid'. The 'for-' part is similar to 'ver-'. 'Bieten' is to bid/offer. So you are 'for-bidding' something.