'Tabu' definitions:

Definition of 'tabu'

adjective

Forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific islands [syn: taboo, tabu]

adjective

Excluded from use or mention; "forbidden fruit"; "in our house dancing and playing cards were out"; "a taboo subject" [syn: forbidden, out(p), prohibited, proscribed, taboo, tabu, verboten]

noun

A prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature [syn: taboo, tabu]

noun

An inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion [syn: taboo, tabu]

Definition of 'Tabu'

From: GCIDE

Tabu \Ta*bu"\, n. & v. See Taboo. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'tabu'

From: GCIDE

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.] [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'tabu'

From: GCIDE

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.] [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'tabu'

From: GCIDE

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.]