adjective
- forbidden to be patronized, frequented, used, etc., by certain persons: The tavern is off-limits to soldiers.
adjective (off-limits when prenominal)
- not to be entered; out of bounds
adverb
- in or into an area forbidden by regulations
adj.“forbidden,” by 1881, U.S. military academies jargon, from off (adv.) + limit (n.). Earlier (1857) it was applied to cadets, etc., who were in violation of the limitations on their movement and behavior.