a prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature
<noun.cognition>
an inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion
<noun.attribute> [ adj ]
forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific islands
<adj.all>
excluded from use or mention
<adj.all> forbidden fruit in our house dancing and playing cards were out a taboo subject
Tabu \Ta*bu"\, n. & v. See {Taboo}.
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}.]
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}.]
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.]