Pronunciation: /təˈbuː/

Definitions of taboo

noun a social or religious custom prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing

Example Sentences

A1 Talking about money can be a taboo subject in some cultures.

A2 In some families, discussing mental health issues is considered taboo.

B1 The novel explores the taboo of forbidden love between social classes.

B2 The artist's work often challenges societal taboos around sexuality and gender.

C1 The film delves into the taboo of political corruption within the government.

C2 The professor's research focuses on breaking down cultural taboos through education and awareness.

adjective prohibited or restricted by social custom

Example Sentences

A1 Talking about money is considered taboo in some cultures.

A2 Wearing revealing clothing can be seen as taboo in certain social circles.

B1 Discussing politics at the dinner table is often considered taboo in polite company.

B2 Bringing up past relationships can be a taboo subject in some friendships.

C1 The artist's controversial work pushed the boundaries of taboo art in the modern art world.

C2 The novel explored taboo themes such as incest and murder with a delicate touch.

Examples of taboo in a Sentence

formal Discussing mental health used to be considered taboo in many cultures.

informal Talking about money is often seen as taboo in some families.

slang Using curse words in front of children is a big taboo for some parents.

figurative Breaking traditional gender roles can still be seen as a taboo in certain societies.

Grammatical Forms of taboo

past tense

tabooed

plural

taboos

comparative

more taboo

superlative

most taboo

present tense

taboos

future tense

will taboo

perfect tense

have tabooed

continuous tense

is tabooing

singular

taboo

positive degree

taboo

infinitive

to taboo

gerund

tabooing

participle

tabooed

Origin and Evolution of taboo

First Known Use: 1777 year
Language of Origin: Tongan
Story behind the word: The word 'taboo' originates from the Tongan word 'tabu', meaning consecrated or forbidden.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'taboo' has come to signify something prohibited or restricted by social custom or law, and has expanded to encompass a wide range of culturally sensitive topics or actions.