Main Entry: in·hi·bi·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌin-(h)ə-ˈbish-ən\

Function: noun

: 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>