the.com/forbidden
The word that turns a dull object into the single most interesting thing in the room.
means Not allowed, prohibited by rule, law, or authority — and therefore instantly more tempting.
from Old English forbeodan, to command against — for- (against) plus beodan (to bid), literally bidding you to stop.
PsychologyBanning something reliably boosts its appeal — reactance theory.
Original fruitEden's forbidden fruit is never named as apple.
CityBeijing's Forbidden City barred commoners for 500 years.