Taboo: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫

Add to dictionary

taboo

[ təˈbuː ]

^{Context #1}

social

A social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding discussion of a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing.

Synonyms

ban, forbidden, prohibition, restriction

Examples of usage

Talking about politics was a taboo at the family dinner.
In some cultures, it is a taboo to wear white to a wedding.
Discussing money openly is often considered a taboo.

^{Context #2}

informal

A forbidden or prohibited behavior or activity.

Synonyms

banned, off-limits, outlawed, tabu

Examples of usage

Eating meat is a taboo for some vegetarians.
Breaking the speed limit is a taboo in this neighborhood.

Translations

Translations of the word "taboo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tabu

🇮🇳 वर्जित

🇩🇪 Tabu

🇮🇩 tabu

🇺🇦 табу

🇵🇱 tabu

🇯🇵 タブー

🇫🇷 tabou

🇪🇸 tabú

🇹🇷 tabu

🇰🇷 금기

🇸🇦 محرم

🇨🇿 tabu

🇸🇰 tabu

🇨🇳 禁忌

🇸🇮 tabu

🇮🇸 bannhelgi

🇰🇿 табу

🇬🇪 ტაბუ

🇦🇿 tabu

🇲🇽 tabú

Word origin

The word 'taboo' originated in the early 18th century from the Tongan language in the Pacific Islands. European explorers and missionaries adopted the term to describe practices that were forbidden or restricted in various cultures. Over time, 'taboo' has come to be used in a wider context to refer to social or cultural prohibitions.