Taboo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚫

Add to dictionary

taboo

[təˈbuː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
taboo	Used to describe something that is socially or culturally prohibited or not spoken about. It often relates to topics considered inappropriate or unacceptable. Talking about death is a taboo in some cultures Discussing personal finances can be a taboo subject at dinner parties
prohibition	Indicates an official order or law that stops something from being done. It is more formal and often used in legal contexts. The prohibition of alcohol during the 1920s led to widespread illegal activity There is a prohibition on importing certain goods into the country
ban	Refers to an official or legal prohibition. It often involves an authority enforcing rules to prevent something from being done or used. The government imposed a ban on smoking in public places She received a lifetime ban from the competition for cheating
forbidden	Describes something that is not allowed or prohibited, often giving the impression that breaking the rule has serious consequences. Entering the building without permission is forbidden It is forbidden to use mobile phones during the exam
restriction	Implies a limitation or control over what is allowed. It can be used in various contexts, including rules, laws, or policies. There is a restriction on the number of people who can enter the building at once The new law imposes tighter restrictions on emissions

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 | Noun}

informal

A forbidden or prohibited behavior or activity.

Synonyms

banned, off-limits, outlawed, tabu.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
taboo	Used to describe something that is socially or culturally prohibited or restricted. In their culture, talking about money is considered a taboo. Discussing religion and politics at the dinner table was a taboo subject in their household.
tabu	An older or alternative spelling of 'taboo' used in the same context. In some cultures, certain foods are tabu to eat. Speaking ill of the dead is considered tabu.
outlawed	Indicates that something is made illegal, often through legislation or a decree. The practice of child labor has been outlawed in many countries. Alcohol was outlawed during Prohibition in the United States.
banned	Refers to something officially or legally prohibited by an authority. Smoking is banned in all public places here. The book was banned for its controversial content.
off-limits	Describes something that is not allowed to be accessed or discussed, often for security or safety reasons. The area around the construction site is off-limits to the public. Talking about her past relationships is off-limits with him.

Examples of usage

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

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'taboo'

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,535, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15532 sedentary
15533 asunder
15534 cowardice
15535 taboo
15536 bunk
15538 nee
...