Meaning & Definition of Taboo in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A prohibition imposed by social custom or as a protective measure.

  Example Sentence: In many cultures, discussing death is considered a taboo.

• Definition: Something that is forbidden or banned in a particular society or culture.

  Example Sentence: Eating pork is a taboo in some religions.

• Definition: A strong social restriction against certain behaviors or topics.

  Example Sentence: He broke a taboo when he spoke openly about his mental health issues.

Etymology

Origin: From Tongan 'tapu', meaning 'sacred' or 'forbidden'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• taboo subject: A topic that is regarded as inappropriate to discuss.
• break a taboo: To do something that is usually prohibited by social norms.
• social taboo: A cultural norm that forbids certain behaviors.

Translations

• Spanish: tabú

• French: tabou

• German: Tabu

• Russian: табу

Related Words

• prohibition: The act of forbidding something.

• sanction: A penalty for disobeying a law or rule.

• cultural norm: A standard or rule that is accepted within a culture.

Slang Meanings of taboo

• Meaning: Something that is considered socially unacceptable.

  Example Sentence: Talking about salaries is a taboo in our office.

• Meaning: Breaking the unspoken rules of a community.

  Example Sentence: He really crossed a taboo line by flirting with her at the meeting.