fɝˈbɪdən fəˈbɪdən aʊt pɹoʊˈhɪbɪtɪd pɹəˈhɪbɪtɪd təˈbuː təˈbuː ˌvɜː(ɹ)ˈbəʊ.tən ˌfə(ɹ)ˈboʊ.tən excluded from use or mention forbidden fruit in our house dancing and playing cards were out a taboo subject forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific islands an inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion a prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature