TABOO
Dictionary entry overview: What does taboo mean?
• TABOO (noun)
The noun TABOO has 2 senses:
1. a prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature
2. an inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion
Familiarity information: TABOO used as a noun is rare.
• TABOO (adjective)
The adjective TABOO has 2 senses:
1. excluded from use or mention
2. forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific islands
Familiarity information: TABOO used as an adjective is rare.
• TABOO (verb)
The verb TABOO has 1 sense:
1. declare as sacred and forbidden
Familiarity information: TABOO used as a verb is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
• TABOO (noun)
Meaning:
A prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Synonyms:
taboo; tabu
Hypernyms ("taboo" is a kind of...):
bias; preconception; prejudice (a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation)
Domain region:
Polynesia (the islands in the eastern part of Oceania)
Meaning:
An inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Synonyms:
taboo; tabu
Hypernyms ("taboo" is a kind of...):
inhibition (the quality of being inhibited)
• TABOO (adjective)
Meaning:
Excluded from use or mention
Synonyms:
verboten; taboo; proscribed; prohibited; forbidden; tabu; out
Context examples:
forbidden fruit / in our house dancing and playing cards were out / a taboo subject
Similar:
impermissible (not permitted)
Meaning:
Forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific islands
Synonyms:
tabu; taboo
Similar:
sacred (concerned with religion or religious purposes)
• TABOO (verb)
Meaning:
Declare as sacred and forbidden
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Hypernyms (to "taboo" is one way to...):
restrict (place under restrictions; limit access to)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
