taboo Definition
- 1a social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding discussion of a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing
- 2a practice that is prohibited or restricted by social or religious custom
Using taboo: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "taboo" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
In some cultures, it is taboo to talk about death.
Example
Eating pork is taboo in some religions.
Example
The topic of sex was considered taboo in the past.
Example
It's taboo to wear shoes inside the temple.
taboo Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for taboo
Antonyms for taboo
Idioms Using taboo
to do something that is considered forbidden or prohibited by social or religious custom
Example
She broke a taboo by speaking out against the government.
Example
Mental health used to be a taboo topic, but now more people are speaking openly about it.
Example
Using taboo language in a professional setting can be seen as unprofessional and disrespectful.
Phrases with taboo
Example
Politics and religion are often considered taboo subjects at dinner parties.
taboo word
a word that is considered inappropriate or offensive to use in certain contexts
Example
There are many taboo words in different cultures, and it's important to be aware of them when traveling.
a behavior that is considered inappropriate or unacceptable in a particular culture or society
Example
In some countries, public displays of affection are considered taboo behavior.
Origins of taboo
from Tongan 'tapu', meaning 'set apart, forbidden'
Summary: taboo in Brief
The term 'taboo' [təˈbuː] refers to a social or religious custom that prohibits or restricts discussion or association with a particular practice, person, place, or thing. It can also refer to a practice that is prohibited or restricted by social or religious custom. Examples include not talking about death in some cultures, or not eating pork in some religions. Phrases like 'taboo subject' and 'taboo behavior' denote topics or behaviors that are considered inappropriate or unacceptable. Idioms like 'break a taboo' describe doing something that is considered forbidden.
