The word "taboo" refers to something that is prohibited, restricted, or considered unacceptable in a particular society, culture, or context. Here are some synonyms along with their explanations and examples:
1. Forbidden
- Explanation: "Forbidden" means not allowed or prohibited by authority, law, custom, or moral code. It emphasizes the aspect of being explicitly disallowed. Just like "taboo," it conveys that there are strictures against doing or engaging with a certain thing. For example, in some religious places, taking photographs is forbidden, much like it could be a taboo in that specific setting.
- Example: Entering the restricted area was forbidden, and it was also considered a taboo among the local community as it was associated with a sacred site.
2. Prohibited
- Explanation: "Prohibited" is very similar to "forbidden." It means officially or formally prevented or disallowed. It often implies that there are rules or regulations in place that make something not permissible. When something is prohibited, it is usually because it goes against certain norms or interests. For example, smoking is prohibited in many public buildings, and in some cultures, it might also be a taboo in certain social situations.
- Example: The use of mobile phones during the concert was prohibited, and among some music enthusiasts, it was seen as a taboo as it disrupted the immersive experience.
3. Banned
- Explanation: "Banned" means to be officially and completely prohibited, often with the implication of a legal or institutional decision. It suggests a more forceful and definitive prohibition compared to just "forbidden" or "prohibited." When something is banned, it is usually not allowed to occur or exist in a particular context. For example, certain drugs are banned in most countries, and in some cultures, the consumption of particular foods during religious festivals might be banned or considered a taboo.
- Example: The book was banned in some countries due to its controversial content, and in certain conservative communities, discussing such topics was also a taboo.
4. Outlawed
- Explanation: "Outlawed" means declared illegal or outside the protection of the law. It has a stronger connotation of being against the law and subject to punishment if violated. Similar to "taboo," it indicates that something is not to be done, but with a focus on the legal aspect. For example, poaching wild animals is outlawed in many regions, and in some indigenous cultures, killing certain sacred animals is both outlawed and a major taboo.
- Example: Duelling was outlawed long ago, and in some aristocratic circles of the past, it was also a taboo as it was seen as a violent and unseemly practice.
5. Tabu (alternative spelling)
- Explanation: "Tabu" is an alternative spelling of "taboo" and can be used interchangeably in most cases. It has the same meaning of something being prohibited or considered unacceptable. The difference in spelling might be due to regional or historical usage, but the semantic content is the same. For example, certain cultural practices are tabu in one tribe and taboo in another, but they refer to the same concept of being off-limits.
- Example: The wearing of red during mourning was tabu in that particular culture, just as it could be considered a taboo in a similar context elsewhere.
6. Unacceptable
- Explanation: "Unacceptable" means not able to be accepted or approved of. It is a broader term that can cover a wide range of situations where something is not deemed suitable or right. While it doesn't always imply a strict prohibition like "taboo," it does suggest that there is something wrong with the thing in question. For example, rudeness is unacceptable in most social situations, and in some cultures, it might even be a taboo to show disrespect to elders in a particular way.
- Example: His behavior was unacceptable to the group, and in their social norms, it was approaching a taboo level as it violated basic courtesy.
7. Off-limits
- Explanation: "Off-limits" means not allowed to be entered, used, or accessed. It often refers to a physical space or an activity that is restricted. It's related to "taboo" in that it indicates something that is not to be done or gone near. For example, the construction site was off-limits to children, and in some workplaces, discussing personal salaries might be off-limits and even considered a taboo.
- Example: The old attic was off-limits to the family members, and in their household traditions, it was a taboo to go up there without permission.
8. Verboten
- Explanation: "Verboten" is a German word that has been adopted into English, especially in military or formal contexts. It means forbidden or prohibited. It has a strong sense of being not allowed, similar to "taboo." For example, in a military base, fraternizing with the enemy was verboten, and in some military cultures, it was also a taboo.
- Example: Smoking in the barracks was verboten, and in the strict military environment, it was also a kind of taboo as it violated the rules of discipline.