I. adjective
also ta·bu tə-ˈbü, ta-
Etymology: Tongan tabu
Date: 1777
1. : forbidden to profane use or contact because of what are held to be dangerous supernatural powers
2.
a. : banned on grounds of morality or taste
the subject is taboo
b. : banned as constituting a risk
the area beyond is taboo , still alive with explosives — Robert Leckie
II. noun
also tabu
( plural taboos also tabus )
Date: 1777
1. : a prohibition against touching, saying, or doing something for fear of immediate harm from a supernatural force
2. : a prohibition imposed by social custom or as a protective measure
3. : belief in taboos
III. transitive verb
also tabu
Date: 1777
1. : to set apart as taboo especially by marking with a ritualistic symbol
2. : to avoid or ban as taboo