off-limits

[ awf-lim-its, of- ]

adjective

1. forbidden to be patronized, frequented, used, etc., by certain persons:

   The tavern is off-limits to soldiers.

off limits

adjective

1. not to be entered; out of bounds

adverb

1. in or into an area forbidden by regulations

Word History and Origins

Origin of off-limits¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

While the backlash was off-limits during our conversation, Macpherson considers the chapters about her cancer journey and treatment for alcohol addiction to be the most revealing.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m used to looking at wildfire maps of local mountains and getting a sense of which trails have burned and which hikes are off-limits as the land takes time to recover.

From Los Angeles Times

In most Black homes, the living room is off-limits save for special occasions.

From Los Angeles Times

In getting to know her comic sensibilities, he asked: Is anything off-limits?

From Los Angeles Times

This space will be off-limits to humans once the crossing is completed, with locked gates to keep people out and discreet fencing to guide wildlife away from nearby homes into the wild hills beyond.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• banned
• barred
• illegal
• prohibited
• restricted