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inhibition

noun

/ˌɪn ɪˈbɪʃ ən/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of inhibition

A feeling of restraint or self-control that prevents a person from engaging in a certain behavior or expressing certain thoughts or emotions.
"After just one drink, she suddenly lost her usual social inhibition."

Detailed meaning of inhibition

Inhibition can be both conscious and unconscious, and can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as social norms, personal values, fear of consequences, or lack of confidence. Inhibition can also refer to the physiological processes that regulate or suppress certain bodily functions, such as muscle contractions or hormonal secretions. In some cases, excessive inhibition can lead to anxiety, social phobia, or other psychological disorders, while a lack of inhibition can result in impulsiveness, recklessness, or inappropriate behavior.

Example sentences containing inhibition

1. The drug released his inhibition, allowing him to express himself.
2. In true creative spaces, artistic freedom demands the absence of inhibition.
3. Her deep-rooted inhibition kept her from dancing at the party.
4. As the conversation flowed, his inhibition faded more with each moment.
5. The weekend seminar focuses on strategies for overcoming speech inhibition.
6. Emotional and physical barriers: inhibition can manifest in both realms.

History and etymology of inhibition

The noun 'inhibition' has its etymology rooted in Latin. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'inhibitio,' which is derived from 'inhibere.' 'Inhibere' is a combination of 'in' (meaning 'in' or 'into') and 'habere' (meaning 'to have' or 'to hold'). Thus, the original Latin meaning of 'inhibitio' implies holding something in or restraining it. Over time, this concept evolved to describe the psychological sense of holding back or restraining one's thoughts, emotions, or behaviors, leading to the modern understanding of 'inhibition' as a feeling of restraint or self-control that prevents a person from engaging in specific actions or expressing certain aspects of themselves. Its etymology highlights the idea of inner restraint and control, which lies at the core of the term's meaning.

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Further usage examples of inhibition

1. Fear, especially of judgment, is a strong source of personal inhibition.
2. In creative processes, inhibition often stifles the spontaneous flow of ideas.
3. The enzyme's primary function involves the process of inhibition.
4. Childhood traumas sometimes lead to emotional inhibition in adults.
5. The medicine has an unexpected side effect: it reduces inhibition.
6. Overcoming inhibition is crucial for those wanting to perform onstage.
7. They are researching the biochemical pathways of cellular inhibition.
8. Inhibition often acts as a roadblock in therapeutic counseling sessions.
9. The novel explored the theme of societal inhibition in the protagonist's life.
10. With every laugh, he felt the layers of his inhibition peeling away.
11. Meditation techniques can aid in reducing the feelings of inhibition.
12. Teachers need to recognize when inhibition hampers a student's participation.
13. The workshop's main goal was to help attendees break free from personal inhibition.
14. His inhibition kept him from speaking his true feelings that night.
15. The fear of judgment was a powerful inhibition for her creativity.
16. Overcoming his inhibition, he finally confessed his secret love.
17. Her inhibition faded as she danced freely under the moonlight.
18. Inhibition held her back, but courage pushed her forward.
19. His inhibition melted away as he sang with all his heart.
20. Social inhibition often hinders people from being their true selves.
21. Let go of inhibition and embrace the joy of self-expression.
22. Alcohol sometimes reduces inhibition, leading to candid conversations.
23. She broke through her inhibition and gave a heartfelt speech.
24. Overcoming inhibition, they shared their deepest hopes and dreams.