TABU

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does tabu mean? 

• TABU (noun)
  The noun TABU has 2 senses:

1. a prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature

2. an inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion

  Familiarity information: TABU used as a noun is rare.

• TABU (adjective)
  The adjective TABU has 2 senses:

1. forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific islands

2. excluded from use or mention

  Familiarity information: TABU used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TABU (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

taboo; tabu

Hypernyms ("tabu" is a kind of...):

bias; preconception; prejudice (a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation)

Domain region:

Polynesia (the islands in the eastern part of Oceania)

Sense 2

Meaning:

An inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

taboo; tabu

Hypernyms ("tabu" is a kind of...):

inhibition (the quality of being inhibited)

• TABU (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific islands

Synonyms:

taboo; tabu

Similar:

sacred (concerned with religion or religious purposes)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Excluded from use or mention

Synonyms:

forbidden; out; prohibited; proscribed; taboo; tabu; verboten

Context example:

a taboo subject

Similar:

impermissible (not permitted)