Tabu is a concept found in many different cultures across the globe. It is a type of social restriction or prohibition related to various activities, beliefs, relations, or practices. It is seen as an important element of many cultures, as it helps define cultural boundaries and prevent culture from being corrupted.

Tabu can come in the form of moral boundaries, or societal rules which must be followed. Various religious taboos can in some cases include important instructions from the deity, like the instructions in the Torah or Bible. Social taboos may involve restrictions on certain activities or behaviours, like certain language or topics which are deemed too controversial to talk about.