inhibition

[ˌɪn(h)ɪˈbɪʃ(ə)n]

inhibition Definition

  • 1a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way
  • 2a mental or psychological block or restraint

Using inhibition: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "inhibition" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    His shyness was due to his inhibitions around strangers.

  • Example

    The alcohol helped him overcome his inhibitions and dance freely.

  • Example

    Her fear of public speaking was an inhibition she had to work on.

inhibition Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for inhibition

Idioms Using inhibition

  • to stop worrying about the risks and consequences of one's actions and act without restraint

    Example

    She decided to throw caution to the wind and quit her job to travel the world, despite her inhibitions.

  • let one's hair down

    to relax and behave freely and naturally, without worrying about social conventions or inhibitions

    Example

    After a few drinks, she finally let her hair down and danced like nobody was watching.

  • to overcome initial shyness or awkwardness in social situations

    Example

    He tried to break the ice by telling a joke, hoping to ease the inhibitions of the group.

Phrases with inhibition

  • social inhibition

    the tendency to restrain or modify one's behavior in social situations

    Example

    Her social inhibition made it difficult for her to make friends.

  • a psychological restraint or block that prevents a person from expressing their sexual desires or engaging in certain sexual behaviors

    Example

    Her sexual inhibitions prevented her from fully enjoying intimacy with her partner.

  • a restraint or block that is imposed by cultural norms or expectations

    Example

    His cultural inhibitions prevented him from expressing his true feelings about the issue.

Origins of inhibition

from Latin 'inhibitio', meaning 'a restraining'

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Summary: inhibition in Brief

The term 'inhibition' [ˌɪn(h)ɪˈbɪʃ(ə)n] refers to a feeling of self-consciousness or a mental block that restrains one's behavior. It can manifest as shyness, hesitation, or reserve, and can be overcome by throwing caution to the wind or letting one's hair down. Inhibitions can also be specific to social, sexual, or cultural contexts, such as social inhibition, sexual inhibition, or cultural inhibition.