Imi means abstinence or taboo, or the avoidance of that which is abnormal (magakoto), imperfect (tsumi) and polluted (kegare), and the removal of those states. Originally 忌み and 斎み (both pronounced imi) were synonyms, in the sense that both meant removing abnormality, imperfections and pollution and praying for good fortune to present itself. For example, the fire used to cook offerings presented to the kami is called "abstinence fire" (imibi), the food thus prepared is called "abstinence fire meal" (imibi gohan), and the place where the cooking occurs is an "abstinence fire room or hut" (imibiya). Taboo words are called imikotoba.
See Imikotoba