inhibition

[ˌɪn(h)ɪˈbɪʃ(ə)n]

inhibition Definition

• 1. a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way
• 2. a 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

• constraint
• restraint
• reserve
• shyness
• hesitation

Antonyms for inhibition

• uninhibitedness
• spontaneity

Idioms Using inhibition

• throw caution to the wind

  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.

• break the ice

  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.

• sexual inhibition

  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.

• cultural inhibition

  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.