noun pl. taboos -·boos′

1. 1. among some Polynesian peoples, a sacred prohibition put upon certain people, things, or acts which makes them untouchable, unmentionable, etc.
   2. the highly developed system or practice of such prohibitions
2. 1. any social prohibition or restriction that results from convention or tradition
   2. Linguis. the substitution of one word or phrase for another because of such restriction

Etymology: < a Polynesian language: cf. Tongan, Samoan, Maori, etc. tapu

adjective

1. sacred and prohibited by taboo
2. restricted by taboo: said of people
3. prohibited or forbidden by tradition, convention, etc.

transitive verb tabooed -·booed′, tabooing -·boo′·ing

1. to put under taboo
2. to prohibit or forbid because of tradition, convention, etc.