tabu background

tabu

/tæˈbuː/ /təˈbuː/

Illustration tabu - Image 1

noun

Tabou, interdit

An inhibition or ban that results from social custom or emotional aversion.

Examples :

"In many families, discussing salary is a tabu, considered impolite and private. "

Dans de nombreuses familles, discuter du salaire est un tabou, considéré comme impoli et privé.

culture society tradition moral philosophy

Illustration tabu - Image 1

noun

Tabou

(in Polynesia) Something which may not be used, approached or mentioned because it is sacred.

Examples :

"In some Polynesian cultures, the chief's personal belongings are considered tabu; no one is allowed to touch them. "

Dans certaines cultures polynésiennes, les effets personnels du chef sont considérés comme tabous ; personne n'est autorisé à les toucher.

culture religion society tradition value moral

Illustration tabu - Image 1

verb

Tabouiser

To mark as taboo.

Examples :

"The elders tabued the sacred grove, forbidding anyone from entering. "

Les anciens ont tabouisé le bosquet sacré, interdisant à quiconque d'y entrer.

culture religion society

Illustration tabu - Image 1

verb

Interdire, proscrire

Examples :

"The school tabued the use of cell phones during class. "

L'école a interdit l'utilisation des téléphones portables pendant les cours.

culture society religion moral law

Illustration tabu - Image 1

verb

Éviter, s'abstenir de

Examples :

"In many cultures, one must tabu speaking negatively about the dead. "

Dans de nombreuses cultures, il faut éviter de parler négativement des morts.

culture tradition religion society moral