n., adj., & v. (also tabu)
n. (pl. taboos or tabus) 1 a system or the act of setting a person or thing apart as sacred or accursed. 2 a prohibition or restriction imposed by social custom.
adj. 1 avoided or prohibited, esp. by social custom (taboo words). 2 designated as sacred and prohibited.
v.tr. (taboos, tabooed or tabus, tabued) 1 put (a thing, practice, etc.) under taboo. 2 exclude or prohibit by authority or social influence.
[ Tongan tabu ]