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

Synonyms

• constraint
• continence
• discipline
• discretion
• refrainment
• repression
• reserve
• restraint
• self-command
• self-control
• self-restraint
• suppression

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

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

His younger brother used the existence of that door to free himself from certain inhibitions and constraints. —Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 10 Sep. 2023

Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Part memoir and part guidebook, this nonfiction gem is all about how to let go of inhibitions and embrace a creative life. —Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2023

Among the first to notice this inhibition of motor function was a French neuroscientist named Michel Jouvet. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 6 Sep. 2023

Gray matter controls your attention, inhibitions, and memory.29 Sleep Recommendations Sleep helps your body process information and memories, repairs cells, and supports your immune system. —Rachel Swalin, Health, 6 Aug. 2023

An example of inhibition in action is early-arriving plants that release growth inhibitors into the soil. —Lesley Evans Ogden, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2023

This inhibition can lead to a reduction in the amount of breast milk produced. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2023

Aries March 21-April 19 Your inhibitions could loom larger than normal. —Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing inhibition

• contact inhibition
• feedback inhibition

• contact inhibition
• feedback inhibition

Kids 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

(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