off-limits
|off-lim-its|
B2
🇺🇸
/ɔf ˈlɪmɪts/
🇬🇧
/ɒf ˈlɪmɪts/
restricted access
Etymology
Etymology Information
The term 'off-limits' originates from the military, where 'off' meant 'away from' and 'limits' referred to 'boundaries or restrictions'.
Historical Evolution
'Off-limits' evolved from the military jargon used in the early 20th century to denote areas that were restricted to personnel.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'restricted area for military personnel', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'prohibited or restricted access'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not allowed to enter or use; restricted or prohibited.
The area is off-limits to the public.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45