off-limits — forbidden or not allowed to be entered or used
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: forbidden or not allowed to be entered or used
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɔːf ˈlɪmɪts/
Example Sentences
- My teenager's bedroom is completely off-limits to parents - it's like a top-secret government facility.
- The boss's coffee machine is off-limits after someone put salt instead of sugar.
- The construction site is off-limits to the public for safety reasons.
off-limits
ADJECTIVE[/ˌɔːf ˈlɪmɪts/]
forbidden or not allowed to be entered or used
The construction site is off-limits to anyone without a hard hat and badge.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term originated in early 20th-century American military usage, where it was used to designate restricted areas that soldiers were prohibited from entering. It later expanded from military jargon into general English vocabulary to describe anything forbidden or inaccessible.
Breakdown
off- (away from, outside) + limits (boundaries, borders). The compound literally means 'outside the boundaries' or 'beyond the permitted area'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My teenager's bedroom is completely off-limits to parents - it's like a top-secret government facility.”
“The boss's coffee machine is off-limits after someone put salt instead of sugar.”
“The construction site is off-limits to the public for safety reasons.”
“After the food poisoning incident, the cafeteria is temporarily off-limits.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.