tapu

/ ˈtɑːpuː /

adjective

1. sacred; forbidden

noun

1. a Māori religious or superstitious restriction on something

Word History and Origins

Origin of tapu¹

Māori, from Tongan

Example Sentences

Among the New Zealanders, when they were first revealed to Europeans as savages, the place of interment was tapu, or holy.

From Project Gutenberg

Suffice it, that a thing which was tapu must not be touched, nor a place that was tapu visited.

From Project Gutenberg

It is impossible to explain tapu in a note; we have it as an English word, taboo.

From Project Gutenberg

These Tapu lands were watered by skilfully constructed aqueducts, whereby they were rendered suitable for agriculture.

From Project Gutenberg

There were in the old times two great institutions, which ruled with iron rod in Maori land—the Tapu and the Muru.

From Project Gutenberg