D defs.my
Entry 3 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Taboo

/tăb-o͞o'/ · Ta·boo · IPA /təˈbuː/
01 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 …
  1. 1.
    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.
02 v. t. 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 sanctua…
imp. & p. p. Tabooed; p. pr. & vb. n. Tabooing
  1. 1.
    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.
03 a. Set apart or sacred by religious custom among certain races of Polynesia, New Zealand, etc., and forbidden to certain persons or uses; henc…
  1. 1.
    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.