təˈbu: n.,
adj., & v. (also tabu) --n. (pl. taboos or tabus) 1 a
system or
the act of
setting a
person or
thing apart as
sacred or
accursed. 2 a
prohibition or
restriction imposed by
social custom. --adj. 1 avoided or prohibited,
esp. by social custom (taboo words). 2 designated as sacred
and prohibited. --v.tr. (taboos, tabooed or tabus, tabued) 1 put (a thing,
practice, etc.)
under taboo. 2
exclude or
prohibit by
authority or social
influence. [Tongan tabu]