offlimits

Off-limits is an adjective and sometimes an adverb that describes something forbidden or not allowed to be entered, accessed, or discussed. It marks boundaries that should not be crossed, whether in a physical space or in conversation.

Commonly used with nouns such as area, zone, property, or topic, the term appears on signs and in policies to indicate restricted access. Examples include off-limits areas like construction sites, secure facilities, or private property, as well as topics or information that are not to be discussed in a given setting.

Etymology and form: the phrase derives from the idea of a boundary and the word off meaning outside. It is usually hyphenated as off-limits, though some writers use two words, off limits.

Legal and safety context: entering off-limits spaces can be prohibited by law or policy and may result in trespass notices, fines, or other penalties, depending on jurisdiction and context.

In culture and media, off-limits is used descriptively to convey secrecy, security, or taboo. It can describe restrictions within organizations or serve as a plot device signaling locations or subjects that characters are forbidden to access or discuss.