taboo

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   An inhibition or ban that results from social custom or emotional aversion.

   • It is true indeed that a taboo - in order to be a proper taboo - must not rest in the general mind on argument or reason.
   • So among the Alfoors of the island of Buru it is taboo to mention the names of parents and parents-in-law, or even to speak of common objects by words which resemble these names in sound.
   • The sharp differentiation of the sexes in our culture was shaped most probably by monogamy and monosexuality and their tabus.
2. 2

   Something which may not be used, approached or mentioned because it is sacred.

3. 3

   Excluded or forbidden from use, approach or mention.

   • Incest is a taboo subject in most soap operas.
   • Sweets and fats are strictly taboo in my home.
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Culturally forbidden.

   2. 5

      To mark as taboo.

   3. 6

      To ban or prohibit.

      • They lunched, but if the subject of Carrados had been tabooed the meal would have been a silent one.
   4. 7

      To avoid.

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