Verbs of Verbal Action - Verbs for Permissions and Prohibitions

Here you will learn some English verbs referring to permissions and prohibitions such as "forbid", "allow", and "veto".

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Verbs of Verbal Action

to not give permission typically through the use of authority, rules, etc.

Ex: The sign on the door forbids entry without proper identification .

to formally forbid something from being done, particularly by law

Ex:
to ban [verb]

to officially forbid a particular action, item, or practice

Ex: The company decided to ban smoking in all of its office buildings to promote a healthier work environment .

to reject or forbid something officially

Ex: The bank may disallow transactions that appear suspicious or fraudulent .
to bar [verb]

to not allow someone to do something or go somewhere

Ex: Players who violate the rules may face penalties , including being barred from future competitions .

to officially state that something is illegal

Ex: The new legislation sought to outlaw discrimination based on gender , race , and sexual orientation .

to officially ban the existence or practice of something

Ex: The religious doctrine proscribes the consumption of certain foods during specific religious observances .

to forbid a specific action

Ex: The religious authorities decided to interdict sale of the controversial book , deeming it incompatible with their teachings .

to use one's official or political authority to change or reject a previously made decision

Ex: The speaker of the parliament has the power to overrule certain motions during a session .
to veto [verb]

to reject or prohibit a decision, proposal, or action

Ex: In the meeting , one member had the power to veto any decision , ensuring unanimous agreement .
to allow [verb]

to let someone or something do a particular thing

Ex: The school policy does not allow students to use their phones during class .
to let [verb]

to allow something to happen or someone to do something

Ex: Let the ice cream soften for a few minutes before scooping .

to let something or someone enter a place

Ex: She refused to let in the stranger at the door .

to allow something or someone to do something

Ex: The school rules do not permit students to leave campus during lunchtime .

to give permission for the use, practice, or production of something through a formal agreement

Ex: Characters from movies can be licensed for making and selling related products .

to give permission for something such as plan, project, etc. to proceed

Ex:

to give someone permission to do something or to agree to do it

Ex: She consented to the use of her artwork in the exhibition .

to officially approve of something such as an action, change, practice, etc.

Ex:

to officially give permission for a specific action, process, etc.

Ex: The city council authorized the construction of a new public park in the downtown area .