disinhibition

noun

dis·​in·​hi·​bi·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˌin-(h)ə-ˈbi-shən 

: loss or reduction of an inhibition (as by the action of interfering stimuli or events)

disinhibition of a reflex

disinhibition of violent tendencies

disinhibit

(ˌ)dis-in-ˈhi-bət 

transitive verb

disinhibitor

(ˌ)dis-in-ˈhi-bə-tər 

noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The increasing conservatism that comes with age is largely a consequence of raising children; small children, but not macaques and capuchins, can perceive faces in inanimate objects; and psychopathic traits, particularly meanness and disinhibition, protect against PTSD. —Rafil Kroll-zaidi, Harper’s Magazine , 28 Sep. 2022

The kind of weight gain that might lower your life quality would come from disinhibition all year round, not from one fun day. —Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 24 Nov. 2022

The patient’s personality had deteriorated over the prior four years, with decreased concern for others, disinhibition, and compulsive hoarding. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 Sep. 2010

An article published in the Journal of Research in Personality looked at psychopathic traits in domestic cats, namely boldness, meanness and disinhibition. —Julia Métraux, Discover Magazine, 24 Aug. 2022

The climbers did not differ from controls on disinhibition or boredom susceptibility. —Emma Barrett And Paul Martin, Discover Magazine, 4 Dec. 2014

Or maybe disinhibition released a preexisting meanness. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2022

The drinks provided just enough disinhibition to get conversation flowing. —Kate Julian, The Atlantic, 1 June 2021

In the role of Jordan Belfort, a super-salesman and super-con-man whose hedonistic will to power is one with his consuming fury, DiCaprio seemed to tap deep into himself, even if in the way of mere fantasy and exuberant disinhibition. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2021

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1927, in the meaning defined above