inhibition

noun

in·​hi·​bi·​tion ˌin-hə-ˈbi-shən How to pronounce inhibition (audio)
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

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 See all Example Sentences for inhibition 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inhibition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhibition was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inhibition

Cite this Entry

“Inhibition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhibition. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

inhibition

noun
in·​hi·​bi·​tion ˌin-(h)ə-ˈbish-ən How to pronounce inhibition (audio)
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 How to pronounce inhibition (audio)
: 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 inhibitionC. 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 concentrateMuriel Ivimey
inhibitions, phobias, compulsions, and other neurotic patternsPsychological Abstracts

More from Merriam-Webster on inhibition

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