Verboten: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Originates from the German word 'verbot', which also means 'prohibition'.
• The term has been used in English since the early 20th century, primarily in contexts relating to rules or bans.

Cultural Context

• In German-speaking countries, the word is often used in public signage to indicate areas that are off-limits, such as restricted zones.
• The word frequently appears in discussions about social norms, laws, and behaviors deemed unacceptable in various cultures.

Popular Culture

• The term has been popularized in various films and literature, particularly in terms of depicting strict rules and rebellious characters.
• In the musical 'Cabaret', 'verboten' is featured in the song 'Tomorrow Belongs to Me', symbolizing the warnings of totalitarian regimes.

Legal Implications

• In legal discourse, 'verboten' can describe actions prohibited by law or statute, emphasizing the seriousness of such restrictions.
• The concept of 'verboten' often appears in discussions around civil liberties, especially where laws are seen as overreaching.

Psychology

• People often have stronger reactions to things labeled as 'verboten', as they may feel a natural urge to defy prohibitions.
• Cognitive dissonance can occur when individuals desire something that is 'verboten', leading to conflicted feelings or behaviors.

Ranking #38,443, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 38443 verboten
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• 38446 evocatively
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