# taboo

/tæˈbu/ (US) · /tæbˈuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/taboo
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. social prohibition

noun · CEFR B2

a rule or custom that stops people from doing or talking about something because it is seen as wrong or embarrassing.

For teachers: a social or cultural prohibition resulting from custom or emotional aversion, often governing behaviour or speech deemed offensive.

- In many cultures, asking someone about their salary is a social taboo.
- The documentary explores how various social taboos regarding mental health have shifted significantly over the last few decades.

Usage: Often used with the verb 'break' or 'violate'.

### 2. sacred ban

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

something that is forbidden because it is considered very holy or sacred.

For teachers: a prohibition based on the sacred or consecrated status of an object, person, or place, rendering it untouchable or unmentionable.

- The tribe has a strict taboo against entering the ancient forest.
- Anthropologists studied the complex religious taboos that governed who could handle the ceremonial relics during the festival.

Teaching tip: This sense is more technical and academic; in everyday English, 'taboo' usually refers to social awkwardness rather than religious law.

### 3. forbidden

adjective · CEFR B2

describes something that you must not do or talk about because of social rules.

For teachers: proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable; forbidden from use, approach, or mention.

- Politics and religion were once considered taboo subjects at the dinner table.
- The author gained fame by writing about taboo topics that most mainstream publishers were too afraid to touch at the time.

### 4. to forbid

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

to officially forbid something or mark it as something that people should avoid.

For teachers: to place under a taboo; to prohibit or forbid by social or religious authority.

- The council decided to taboo any further discussion of the controversial project.
- Certain traditional societies taboo the naming of the deceased for a specific period following the funeral rites.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- In many cultures, there is a taboo against eating certain animals.
- The documentary explores how modern society is slowly breaking the long-standing taboo surrounding mental health discussions.
- While some cultural taboos are rooted in ancient hygiene practices, others serve as complex social markers that reinforce group identity by strictly defining what is considered profane or forbidden.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.