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
Synonyms for inhibition
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.
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.
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'
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.