taboo Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature
    tabu.
  2. noun an inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion
    tabu.
  3. verb declare as sacred and forbidden
  4. adjective satellite excluded from use or mention
    proscribed; forbidden; tabu; prohibited; verboten; out.
    • forbidden fruit
    • in our house dancing and playing cards were out
    • a taboo subject
  5. adjective satellite forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific islands
    tabu.

WordNet

Ta*boo" noun
Definitions
  1. 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" transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Tabooed ; present participle & verbal noun Tabooing
Definitions
  1. 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 1913