tabooing
Making something prohibited
Tabooing is the act of declaring something forbidden or off-limits.
To taboo something is to prohibit it through social or religious custom rather than formal law: The community began tabooing discussion of the scandal.
The practice creates boundaries around subjects, behaviors, or objects deemed dangerous, sacred, or unacceptable.
Prohibited from access
- unmentionableToo shameful to discuss
- unspeakableBeyond verbal expression
- verbotenProhibited by authority
- proscribedFormally forbidden by authority
interdicted · anathema · sacrilege · blasphemous · contraband · illicit · banned · outlawed
Banishment from a group
- shunningDeliberately avoiding someone
- exclusionBeing barred from participation
- pariahRejected, shunned person
- outcastShunned, rejected person
blacklist · boycott · isolation · alienation · marginalization · disapproval · shame · disgrace
Invoked harm through words
- hexMalevolent incantation
- jinxCurse bringing misfortune
- omenProphetic indicator
- witchcraftPractice of supernatural magic
sorcery · ritual · fetish · totem · charm · amulet · talisman · sacred object
off-limits
Prohibited from access
- unmentionableToo shameful to discuss
- unspeakableBeyond verbal expression
- verbotenProhibited by authority
proscribed · interdicted · anathema · sacrilege · blasphemous · contraband · illicit · banned · outlawed · censored
ostracism
Banishment from a group
- shunningDeliberately avoiding someone
- exclusionBeing barred from participation
- pariahRejected, shunned person
outcast · blacklist · boycott · isolation · alienation · marginalization · disapproval · shame · disgrace · dishonor
curse
Invoked harm through words
witchcraft · sorcery · ritual · fetish · totem · charm · amulet · talisman · sacred object · mana
tradition
Custom passed through generations
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
- ceremoniesFormal observances with ritual
rites · norms · taboos · beliefs · morality · ethics · worldview · heritage · folklore · mythology
ban
Official restriction on something
veto · embargo · bar · suppress · censor · proscribe · interdict · criminalize · sanction · enforce
tabooingpermitting
Giving consent or authorization
allowing · endorsing · sanctioning · approving · authorizing
tabooingnormalizing
Making conform to norms
mainstreaming · popularizing · destigmatizing · legitimizing · embracing