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
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
It is defined by his combative personality, his lack of inhibitions, his willingness to ignore democratic norms to go places others won’t and blow past previous political boundaries in ways many find alarming − such as threatening to use the military against Americans who oppose him.
—
David Jackson, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Allen Institute From their findings, the researchers hypothesize that the loss of these cells may trigger a domino effect that upsets the delicate balance between inhibition and excitation, promoting widespread system failures that result in neuronal loss and cognitive decline.
—New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024
Whether an 18th-century daybed or a present-day photo of artist Zanele Muholi gazing at her reflection while in bed, interior settings allow for the shedding of inhibitions.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024
In Ballroom Blitz, Clayton delves into how the showbands were part of wider social and cultural change as ballrooms sprang up, offering the young generation a chance to meet up and lose their inhibitions.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2024
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David Jackson, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Allen Institute From their findings, the researchers hypothesize that the loss of these cells may trigger a domino effect that upsets the delicate balance between inhibition and excitation, promoting widespread system failures that result in neuronal loss and cognitive decline.
—New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024
Whether an 18th-century daybed or a present-day photo of artist Zanele Muholi gazing at her reflection while in bed, interior settings allow for the shedding of inhibitions.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024
In Ballroom Blitz, Clayton delves into how the showbands were part of wider social and cultural change as ballrooms sprang up, offering the young generation a chance to meet up and lose their inhibitions.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inhibition
Dictionary Entries Near inhibition
Cite this Entry
“Inhibition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhibition. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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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