tabu - definition of tabu - synonyms, pronunciation, spelling from Free Dictionary

Search Result for "tabu":

Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (2)

1. a prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature;
[syn: taboo, tabu]

2. an inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion;
[syn: taboo, tabu]

ADJECTIVE (2)

1. forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific islands;
[syn: taboo, tabu]

2. excluded from use or mention;
- Example: "forbidden fruit"
- Example: "in our house dancing and playing cards were out"
- Example: "a taboo subject"
[syn: forbidden, out(p), prohibited, proscribed, taboo, tabu, verboten]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Taboo \Ta*boo"\, n.
   A total prohibition of intercourse with, use of, or approach
   to, a given person or thing under pain of death, -- an
   interdict of religious origin and authority, formerly common
   in the islands of Polynesia; interdiction. [Written also
   tabu.]
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Taboo \Ta*boo"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tabooed; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Tabooing.]
   To put under taboo; to forbid, or to forbid the use of; to
   interdict approach to, or use of; as, to taboo the ground set
   apart as a sanctuary for criminals. [Written also tabu.]
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Taboo \Ta*boo"\, a. [Written also tabu and tapu.]
   [Polynesian tabu, tapu, sacred, under restriction, a
   prohibition.]
   Set apart or sacred by religious custom among certain races
   of Polynesia, New Zealand, etc., and forbidden to certain
   persons or uses; hence, prohibited under severe penalties;
   interdicted; as, food, places, words, customs, etc., may be
   taboo.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Tabu \Ta*bu"\, n. & v.
   See Taboo.
   [1913 Webster]