taboo
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for taboo, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A subject, word, or action that is avoided or forbidden because of strong social or cultural disapproval.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use taboo
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed in the late 1700s from Tongan tapu, meaning "forbidden" or "sacred," picked up by European sailors visiting Polynesia.
Full origin of taboo →Frequently asked questions
What does “taboo” mean?
The word “taboo” means a subject, word, or action that is avoided or forbidden because of strong social or cultural disapproval. In plain terms, something people avoid talking about or doing because it feels culturally off-limits, not because a law bans it.
How do you pronounce “taboo”?
“Taboo” is pronounced tuh-BOO (/təˈbuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “taboo” in a sentence?
Here is “taboo” used in a sentence: “Discussing salaries openly is still something of a taboo at the office.”
What part of speech is “taboo”?
Depending on how it is used, “taboo” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “taboo” come from?
The word “taboo” dates back to around 1700. Borrowed in the late 1700s from Tongan tapu, meaning "forbidden" or "sacred," picked up by European sailors visiting Polynesia.
Is “taboo” a common word?
“Taboo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “taboo” have?
“Taboo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a subject, word, or action that is avoided or forbidden because of strong social or cultural disapproval.