defying a taboo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defying a taboo" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or behaviors that go against societal norms or prohibitions. Example: "By openly discussing mental health issues, she is defying a taboo that has long silenced many."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And yet despite my disregard for the little stick figures on the signs, I'm aware of defying a taboo.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They cannot intrude upon the fantasy world of a Mardi Gras parade without defying a local taboo against Carnival campaigning.

The New York Times

As my colleague John F. Burns reports, the mass-circulation Sun on Friday became the only British newspaper to defy a royal taboo by publishing photographs of the prince that had already been viewed by millions of people worldwide.

The New York Times

The play not only defied a national taboo, but also propelled Mr. Fugard to international fame as a playwright and Mr. Mokae to a rich and varied career in theater, film and television.

The New York Times

But in placing his story of righteous payback in the Old South rather than the Wild West, and in making its agent a black former slave, Mr. Tarantino exposes and defies an ancient taboo.

The New York Times

But some people are already defying the taboo.

The New York Times

It defies a quick summary.

The New York Times

Microbes defy a simple notion of individuality.

The New York Times

Defy a few gender stereotypes.

Huffington Post

Reputation defies a formulaic approach.

HuffPost

This response defies a simple explanation.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defying a taboo", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific taboo being challenged to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "defying a taboo" when the action is simply unconventional or unusual but doesn't directly challenge a core societal prohibition. The phrase implies a more significant breach of norms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defying a taboo" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of challenging or resisting a social or cultural prohibition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing actions against societal norms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defying a taboo" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as Ludwig AI confirms, employed to describe actions that challenge or resist deeply ingrained social or cultural prohibitions. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral register and serves to highlight deliberate acts of going against established norms. Alternatives such as "challenging a taboo" or "breaking a taboo" offer similar meanings, while specific usage should consider the strength and impact of the taboo being addressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging a taboo

Replaces the verb "defying" with "challenging", which maintains the core meaning of opposing a taboo.

breaking a taboo

Substitutes "defying" with "breaking", emphasizing the act of violating a taboo.

transgressing a taboo

Uses "transgressing" to suggest a more formal or serious violation of a taboo.

flouting a taboo

Replaces "defying" with "flouting", indicating an open and deliberate disregard for a taboo.

disregarding a taboo

Emphasizes ignoring or paying no attention to a taboo.

defying social norms

Broadens the scope from a specific taboo to general social norms.

contravening a taboo

Suggests a more formal and legalistic sense of violating a taboo.

bucking a trend

Similar to defying expectations or standards, but more focused on statistical observations.

challenging conventions

Focuses on challenging established practices rather than a specific taboo.

rejecting a norm

Emphasizes the act of refusing to adhere to an established norm.

FAQs

What does "defying a taboo" mean?

The phrase "defying a taboo" means to openly resist or go against a societal prohibition or norm, often one that is deeply ingrained or considered sacred.

How can I use "defying a taboo" in a sentence?

You can use "defying a taboo" to describe someone or something that challenges established norms or cultural prohibitions. For example: "By openly discussing mental health issues, she is "defying a taboo" that has long silenced many."

What are some alternatives to "defying a taboo"?

Some alternatives to "defying a taboo" include "challenging a taboo", "breaking a taboo", or "transgressing a taboo", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is it always positive to be "defying a taboo"?

Not necessarily. Whether "defying a taboo" is positive or negative depends on the specific taboo and the context. It can be seen as courageous when challenging harmful norms, but also as reckless if it disregards important ethical considerations.