off-limits

[ awf-lim-its, of- ]

/ ˈɔfˈlɪm ɪts, ˈɒf- /

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See synonyms for off-limits on Thesaurus.com

adjective

forbidden to be patronized, frequented, used, etc., by certain persons: The tavern is off-limits to soldiers.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of off-limits

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Words nearby off-limits

off-kilter, off-label, offlap, off-licence, off-license, off-limits, offline, offload, off-message, off-mike, off of

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use off-limits in a sentence

Although the blood-spattered offices will be off-limits, staff have vowed to continue producing the magazine.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Unfortunately, the underground tunnels that were used to transport booze and, if necessary, escaping patrons, are off-limits.
The Bars That Made America Great|Nina Strochlic|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Most art worlders are likely, I think, to agree that absolutely nothing should be off-limits for art or literature.
The Life and Art of Radical Provocateur—and Commune Leader—Otto Muehl|Anthony Haden-Guest|September 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There are all manner of politically-charged subjects that various advocacy groups might seek to declare off-limits.
Pediatricians Have the Right to Ask About Guns|Russell Saunders|July 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The island is strictly off-limits to tourists, not because it is haunted, but because it is private property.
You Can Own the Spookiest Island in Venice…If You’re Brave Enough|Barbie Latza Nadeau|April 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
With support from the department's lawyers, they questioned the legality of using off-limits sanctions in civil rights cases.
Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965|Morris J. MacGregor, Jr.
Commanders were frequently quizzed on the probable effects of the imposition of off-limits sanctions or base closings.
Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965|Morris J. MacGregor, Jr.
The site remained off-limits to military and civilian personnel of the proving ground and closed to the public.
Trinity [Atomic test] Site|White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Office
This section of the building was off-limits to the other patients in the Institute, but Stanton, the star border, had free rein.
Anything You Can Do|Gordon Randall Garrett
Those are complicated machines, those things, and they're off-limits to the likes of you and me.
Little Brother|Cory Doctorow

British Dictionary definitions for off-limits

off limits

adjective (off-limits when prenominal)

not to be entered; out of bounds

adverb

in or into an area forbidden by regulations

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012