What does taboo mean?
A taboo is a prohibition or deeply established social restriction concerning what people may say, do, discuss, or treat in a particular way. It may be associated with religion, tradition, morality, hygiene, sexuality, food, or etiquette, although taboos differ greatly between communities and change over time. In everyday use, the word often describes a topic or practice that is strongly discouraged, such as speaking publicly about a sensitive subject. The adjective form describes something forbidden by such a restriction, while the verb can mean that something is prohibited. Unlike an ordinary rule, a taboo usually carries social or cultural significance beyond a formal instruction: violating it may provoke disapproval, embarrassment, or even punishment. The term is therefore useful for describing the powerful role that communal attitudes can play in shaping behavior.
A prohibition imposed by religious, cultural, or social convention, or the forbidden practice or subject itself.
"Silence about the issue became a social taboo."
Often used figuratively for a topic or practice that is strongly discouraged.
Forbidden or regarded as improper because of a religious, cultural, or social prohibition.
"The film contains material considered taboo in some communities."
The cultural basis of the prohibition may vary across societies.
To forbid or treat as unacceptable by custom, religion, or social convention.
"The community tabooed discussion of the subject."
This verbal use is less common than the noun and adjective forms.
The regular plural is "taboos." As a verb, the third-person singular present is "taboos," while the past tense and past participle are "tabooed."
"Traditional societies have observed many social taboos."
A taboo is more than a simple rule: it marks something a community has collectively decided not to touch, question, or discuss.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of taboo
The word was borrowed in the late eighteenth century from Tongan, where tabu means "prohibited" or "sacred." Captain James Cook recorded the term during his Pacific voyages, and it entered English in accounts describing Polynesian cultural and religious restrictions. The English spelling taboo became established, while the variant tabu reflects the source form more directly.
How taboo is actually used
The word is often used figuratively for strongly discouraged practices or subjects. It can sound more formal or academic than "forbidden" or "unacceptable," while still conveying a force stronger than mere dislike.
Easily confused with taboo
Tabu is a direct borrowing from Tongan and is also used as an alternative English spelling, especially in anthropology.