violations of taboo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "violations of taboo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions or behaviors that go against societal norms or prohibitions. Example: "The artist's work often explores the theme of violations of taboo, challenging the audience's perceptions of morality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His elegantly nuanced violations of taboo won for his conservatively figurative art enthusiastic esteem in the largely Surrealist, devoutly libertine Parisian avant-garde of the nineteen-thirties, and secured him a lasting place as one of the twentieth century's greats.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Among the Vlax, violations of taboos are judged by a "kris," a court.

The New York Times

The concept of sin has been present in many cultures throughout history, where it was usually equated with an individual's failure to live up to external standards of conduct or with his violation of taboos, laws, or moral codes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But, as an English professor at Emory University, he became so concerned about what he sees as the oppressiveness of political correctness that he came to celebrate Trump's violation of taboos — no matter how cringe-worthy.

The New Yorker

Sickness is brought on by the violation of a taboo or results from the capture of the soul by a ghost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She interprets Birju's sexual advances on a village girl (which is incest in north Indian village culture) as being a substitute in the plot for the incestuous mother son relationship and his death at the end as a punishment for violation of the taboo.

Wikipedia

In the case of the latter, violation of the taboo on sexual relations in the postnatal period was at the heart of the issue.

Archives of Women's Mental Health

Rather, people object when Hobby Lobby's owners demand exceptions from the law because they fear their employees' behaviour could otherwise implicate them in violations of their religious taboos.

The Economist

Would stricter, old-line Amish subscribers be offended at this violation of traditional taboos?

The New York Times

Of course, his point is that the risky violation of sexual taboos is a response to the boredom and emptiness of modern life, to which this film makes its modest contribution.

The New York Times

"What did you do?" she asks them when she returns home, knowing that the children cannot put the same question to her without disclosing their own violation of domestic taboos.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "violations of taboo" to introduce discussions about ethical dilemmas or social evolution in academic or analytical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "violations of taboo" to describe actions without understanding the specific cultural context; what may be considered a violation in one culture might be acceptable in another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "violations of taboo" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to instances where established cultural or social prohibitions are broken. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, as demonstrated by various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "violations of taboo" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe actions that contravene deeply ingrained cultural prohibitions. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable in English. It is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, reflecting its use in analytical and objective discussions. While the phrase can carry negative connotations, it often serves to initiate conversations about evolving cultural norms and ethical boundaries. When using this phrase, consider the specific cultural context to avoid overgeneralizations and ensure sensitivity. Alternative phrases such as "breaches of taboo" or "transgressions of taboo" may offer nuanced perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breaches of taboo

Focuses on the act of breaking a taboo, emphasizing the transgression itself.

transgressions of taboo

Highlights the moral or ethical violation involved in breaking a taboo.

disregard for taboo

Emphasizes the lack of respect or attention given to a taboo.

defiance of taboo

Suggests a deliberate and intentional act of going against a taboo.

flouting of taboo

Implies an open and contemptuous disregard for a taboo.

infringements of taboo

Highlights the act of encroaching upon or violating the boundaries set by a taboo.

desecration of taboo

Suggests a disrespectful or irreverent treatment of a taboo, often with religious or sacred connotations.

desecration of sacred customs

Emphasizes damage or disrespect towards deeply revered traditions.

challenging conventions

Focuses on questioning and potentially overturning established societal norms.

overturning norms

Refers to the act of reversing or disrupting established societal expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "violations of taboo" in a sentence?

You can use "violations of taboo" to describe actions that break cultural or societal norms, such as, "The artist's work explores the "violations of taboo" within traditional family structures."

What are some alternative phrases for "violations of taboo"?

Some alternatives include "breaches of taboo", "transgressions of taboo", or "disregard for taboo" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to speak of "violations of taboo"?

Not necessarily. While taboos often exist for a reason, discussing "violations of taboo" can open conversations about cultural evolution, ethical boundaries, and the questioning of norms.

What is the difference between "violations of taboo" and "challenging norms"?

"Violations of taboo" specifically refer to actions that break deeply ingrained cultural prohibitions, whereas "challenging norms" is a broader term that can encompass any questioning or disruption of established societal expectations.