Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Taboo
Ta-boo′
,Noun.
A total prohibition of intercourse with, use of, or approach to, a given person or thing under pain of death, – an interdict of religious origin and authority, formerly common in the islands of Polynesia; interdiction.
[Written also
tabu
.] Ta-boo′
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Tabooed
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Tabooing
.] To put under taboo; to forbid, or to forbid the use of; to interdict approach to, or use of;
as, to
. taboo
the ground set apart as a sanctuary for criminals[Written also
tabu
.] Webster 1828 Edition
Taboo
TABOO'
,Noun.
TABOO'
,Verb.
T.
Definition 2024
taboo
taboo
English
Alternative forms
Noun
taboo (countable and uncountable, plural taboos)
- An inhibition or ban that results from social custom or emotional aversion.
- 1922, James Frazer, The Golden Bough:
- 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.
- 1974, Lawrence Durrell, Monsieur, Faber & Faber 1992, p. 213:
- The sharp differentiation of the sexes in our culture was shaped most probably by monogamy and monosexuality and their tabus.
-
- (in Polynesia) Something which may not be used, approached or mentioned because it is sacred.
Translations
inhibition or ban
|
in Polynesia: something which may not be used
Adjective
taboo (comparative more taboo, superlative most taboo)
- Excluded or forbidden from use, approach or mention.
- Incest is a taboo subject in most soap operas.
- Culturally forbidden.
Translations
excluded or forbidden from use, approach or mention
Verb
taboo (third-person singular simple present taboos, present participle tabooing, simple past and past participle tabooed)
Translations
mark as taboo
ban
avoid