Taboo
Pronunciation: /tæˈbuː/
Taboo (noun)
- A rule that says something is not allowed because it is socially or culturally unacceptable.
- A topic that people avoid talking about because it is considered offensive or embarrassing.
Examples
- Eating certain foods is a taboo in some cultures.
- Breaking a taboo can lead to social consequences.
Common collocations: break a taboo, cultural taboo, taboo topic, avoid a taboo, taboo behavior
Taboo (adjective)
- Not allowed to be done or talked about because of social or cultural rules.
Examples
- Wearing certain clothes was once considered taboo.
- It is taboo to speak loudly in the library.