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 Twinning here is akin to that of a Russian doll’s, a suspenseful thriller acting as a framing device for an erotic film, which in turn opens up a dreamscape free of consequence and inhibition, a dark room of the mind. Aatish Taseer, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024 Crawley’s new phase of bigger and better scores began to rev up as the dying embers of Joe Root’s captaincy started to throw off defensive inhibitions and became more aggressive. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 While the spontaneous Moon in your 9th House of Travel conflicts with wet blanket Saturn in your anxious 12th house, your own inhibitions could be a bigger obstacle. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2024 The molecule has a dual mechanism of action affecting both the mu and kappa opioid receptors, while emerging data suggests inhibition of interleukin-17, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024 Activating receptors involved in collagen production, blood vessel and capillary growth and the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024 Friday also seemed a day for abandoning any lingering inhibitions against the wearing of conical red caps, the kind lined with white fur. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 23 Dec. 2023 Something big is happening … all inhibitions are being forsaken. Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023 There was shame and inhibition, too, at the idea of the people who knew him—his parents above all—having this open access to his private world. Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 10 Sep. 2023

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 19 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!