/teuh booh", ta-/ , adj., n., pl. taboos , v. , tabooed, tabooing .
adj.
1. proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable: taboo words.
2. (among the Polynesians and other peoples of the South Pacific) separated or set apart as sacred; forbidden for general use; placed under a prohibition or ban.
n.
3. a prohibition or interdiction of anything; exclusion from use or practice.
4. (among the Polynesians and other peoples of the South Pacific)
a. the system, practice, or act whereby things are set apart as sacred, forbidden for general use, or placed under a prohibition or interdiction.
b. the condition of being so set apart, forbidden, or interdicted.
5. exclusion from social relations; ostracism.
v.t.
6. to put under a taboo; prohibit or forbid.
7. to ostracize (a person, group, etc.).
Also, tabu .
[ 1770-80; tapu or Fijian tabu forbidden, prohibited ]
Syn. 1. prohibited, banned. 3. ban, proscription, embargo. 6. See forbid .