Taboo Definition

təbo͝o, tabo͝o
tabooed, tabooing, taboos, tabus
noun
Among some Polynesian peoples, a sacred prohibition put upon certain people, things, or acts which makes them untouchable, unmentionable, etc.
Webster's New World
The highly developed system or practice of such prohibitions.
Webster's New World
Any social prohibition or restriction that results from convention or tradition.
Webster's New World
A prohibition, especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands, excluding something from use, approach, or mention because of its sacred and inviolable nature.
American Heritage
The substitution of one word or phrase for another because of such restriction.
Webster's New World
Antonyms:
adjective
Sacred and prohibited by taboo.
Webster's New World
Restricted by taboo.
Webster's New World
Prohibited or forbidden by tradition, convention, etc.
Webster's New World
Culturally forbidden.
Wiktionary
Antonyms:
verb
tabooed, tabooing, taboos
To exclude from use, approach, or mention; place under taboo.
American Heritage
To put under taboo.
Webster's New World
To prohibit or forbid because of tradition, convention, etc.
Webster's New World

To ban.

Wiktionary

To avoid.

Wiktionary
Antonyms:

Other Word Forms of Taboo

Noun

Singular:
taboo
Plural:
taboos

Origin of Taboo

  • Tongan tapu (“prohibited"). The word entered English around 1777. Ultimately from Proto-Polynesian *tapu.

    From Wiktionary

  • Tongan tabu under prohibition from Proto-Polynesian tapu

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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