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
Before the month comes to a close, Mercury will station retrograde in Leo, activating your 12th house of secrets, surrender and your subconscious, bringing up old memories or inhibitions that have been clouding your clarity.
—
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 July 2025
Reservations and inhibitions have a way of slipping away in the Snake Pit.
—Shari Rudavsky, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Let go of your inner fears and inhibitions that may indirectly block your love life during the full moon in Capricorn over the next three days.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
For how much their environment (interactions with people) impacted them, men showed more inhibition than women.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inhibition
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Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 July 2025
Reservations and inhibitions have a way of slipping away in the Snake Pit.
—Shari Rudavsky, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Let go of your inner fears and inhibitions that may indirectly block your love life during the full moon in Capricorn over the next three days.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
For how much their environment (interactions with people) impacted them, men showed more inhibition than women.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 9 June 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 18 Jul. 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?
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