taboo
|ta/boo|
/təˈbuː/
prohibited by custom
Etymology
'taboo' originates from the Tongan word 'tabu', where 'ta-' meant 'mark' and '-bu' meant 'prohibited'.
'tabu' was adopted into English in the late 18th century, eventually becoming the modern English word 'taboo'.
Initially, it meant 'prohibited by social custom', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a social or religious custom prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing.
Discussing money is often considered a taboo in polite society.
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Verb 1
to place under a taboo; to forbid or prohibit.
The tribe tabooed the use of certain words.
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Adjective 1
prohibited or restricted by social custom.
It was taboo to speak of the incident.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45