taboo

A social or religious rule that stops people doing or talking about something.

• He broke a social taboo.
• There is a taboo against discussing money at dinner.
• Different cultures have different taboos about food.

How to use it: taboo against something (There is a strong taboo against discussing family wealth.); taboo on something (The community has a taboo on eating certain animals.)

Similar words: prohibition, ban

Common phrases: social taboo, break a taboo, taboo against something

Considered unacceptable to do, use, or discuss because of social or religious rules.

• Money was a taboo subject.
• These foods are taboo in her religion.
• Why is talking about death still taboo?

How to use it: taboo in something (Discussing salaries is taboo in some workplaces.)

Similar words: forbidden, prohibited

Common phrases: taboo subject, taboo topic, taboo in something

To declare that something must not be done, used, or discussed.

• The community taboos certain foods.
• They tabooed any discussion of money.
• Why did the elders taboo that practice?

Similar words: forbid, prohibit, ban

Opposites: permit

Common phrases: taboo a subject, taboo certain foods