disinhibition

noun

dis·​in·​hi·​bi·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˌin-(h)ə-ˈbi-shən How to pronounce disinhibition (audio)
: loss or reduction of an inhibition (as by the action of interfering stimuli or events)
disinhibition of a reflex
disinhibition of violent tendencies
disinhibit transitive verb
disinhibitor noun

Examples of disinhibition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other research has identified people who score higher than most on meanness or disinhibition, but who don’t seem to get into trouble for antisocial behavior. David Adam, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023 Some scientists have proposed that the FTD artist benefits from the combination of behavioral disinhibition and repetitive practice. Robert Martone, Scientific American, 26 May 2023 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. Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Oct. 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disinhibition.' 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

circa 1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disinhibition was circa 1927

Dictionary Entries Near disinhibition

Cite this Entry

“Disinhibition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinhibition. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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