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
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
The key is to relax, let go of your inhibitions, and just have fun.
—
Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025
On-demand male contraception via acute inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Maintaining the correct proportion of excitation to inhibition is critical for keeping the brain healthy and harmonious.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
This also supports the idea that swearing can momentarily activate mental states that reduce inhibition and allow the body and mind to perform at a higher level.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inhibition
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025
On-demand male contraception via acute inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Maintaining the correct proportion of excitation to inhibition is critical for keeping the brain healthy and harmonious.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
This also supports the idea that swearing can momentarily activate mental states that reduce inhibition and allow the body and mind to perform at a higher level.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inhibition
Cite this Entry
“Inhibition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhibition. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
Muriel Ivimeyinhibitions, phobias, compulsions, and other neurotic patterns—Psychological Abstracts
Psychological AbstractsLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share