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.
Etymology: Tongan tabu