inhibition

noun

in·​hi·​bi·​tion ˌin-hə-ˈbi-shən 

ˌi-nə-

1

: an inner impediment to free activity, expression, or functioning: such as

a

: a mental process imposing restraint upon behavior or another mental process (such as a desire)

b

: a restraining of the function of a bodily organ or an agent (such as an enzyme)

2

a

: the act of inhibiting : the state of being inhibited

b

: something that forbids, debars, or restricts

Synonyms

• constraint
• continence
• discipline
• discretion
• refrainment
• repression
• reserve
• restraint
• self-command
• self-control
• self-restraint
• suppression

Examples of inhibition in a Sentence

She laughed loudly and without inhibition.

an innate inhibition made it difficult for him to tell his girlfriend what he was really feeling

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether an 18th-century daybed or a present-day photo of artist Zanele Muholi gazing at her reflection while in bed, interior settings allow for the shedding of inhibitions. —Amy Verner, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024

In Ballroom Blitz, Clayton delves into how the showbands were part of wider social and cultural change as ballrooms sprang up, offering the young generation a chance to meet up and lose their inhibitions. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2024

Granddaddy Purple is the king of getting into the flow and mellowing any potential inhibitions for a relaxed night with your sweetheart. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 8 Oct. 2024

Jupiter will station retrograde on Oct. 9, emphasizing your 12th house of inhibitions, privacy and unconscious patterns, making introspection a key theme. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing inhibition

• contact inhibition
• feedback inhibition

Kids Definition

inhibition

noun

in·​hi·​bi·​tion ˌin-(h)ə-ˈbish-ən 

1

a

: the act of inhibiting : the state of being inhibited

b

: something that inhibits

2

: an inner force that prevents or makes difficult the free expression of thoughts, emotions, or desires

Medical Definition

inhibition

noun

in·​hi·​bi·​tion ˌin-(h)ə-ˈbish-ən 

: the act or an instance of inhibiting or the state of being inhibited: as

a(1)

: a stopping or checking of a bodily action : a restraining of the function of an organ or an agent (as a digestive fluid or enzyme)

inhibition of the heartbeat by stimulation of the vagus nerve

inhibition of plantar reflexes

(2)

: interference with or retardation or prevention of a process or activity

inhibition of bacterial growth

b(1)

: a desirable restraint or check upon the free or spontaneous instincts or impulses of an individual guided or directed by the social and cultural forces of the environment

the self-control so developed is called inhibition

—C. W. Russell

(2)

: a neurotic restraint upon a normal or beneficial impulse or activity caused by psychological inner conflicts or by sociocultural forces of the environment

other outspoken neurotic manifestations are general inhibitions such as inability to think, to concentrate

—Muriel Ivimey

inhibitions, phobias, compulsions, and other neurotic patterns

—Psychological Abstracts