Inhibition — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌin-hə-ˈbi-shən/ in·hi·bi·tion

Meaning & Definition of Inhibition

Inhibition (noun)

  1. an inner impediment to free activity, expression, or functioning
  2. a mental process imposing restraint upon behavior or another mental process (such as a desire)
  3. a restraining of the function of a bodily organ or an agent (such as an enzyme)

Inhibition (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

    "an innate inhibition made it difficult for him to tell his girlfriend what he was really feeling"

    similar: constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression
    related: command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity
    opposite: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint
    near: self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance

  2. something that makes movement or progress difficult

    "without the inhibition of their jackets, the boys were able to wrestle more vigorously"

    similar: balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel
    related: catch, hitch, rub, snag, barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall, arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint, embargo, stoppage, delay, holdup, stall, burden, cumber, load, danger, hazard, peril, reef, adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship
    near: catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus, advantage, break, edge, aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden, help

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Inhibition

The most common words with a similar meaning to Inhibition:

constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression, balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Inhibition

Words with the opposite meaning of Inhibition:

disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Related Words for Inhibition

command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity, catch, hitch, rub, snag, barrier, blockade

Near Antonyms of Inhibition

self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance, catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus, advantage, break, edge, aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden, help

Origin & Etymology of Inhibition

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Inhibition

Words & Phrases Containing Inhibition

contact inhibition, feedback inhibition

Frequently Asked Questions about Inhibition

What does "Inhibition" mean?

"Inhibition" means an inner impediment to free activity, expression, or functioning. As a noun, it is defined as: an inner impediment to free activity, expression, or functioning. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Inhibition"?

Other words for "Inhibition" include constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, refrainment, repression, reserve and restraint. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Inhibition" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Inhibition"?

There are 95 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Inhibition". Common alternatives include constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command and self-control.

What is the opposite of "Inhibition"?

Antonyms of "Inhibition" include disinhibition, incontinence and unconstraint. Near antonyms include self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness and gratification.

How do you use "Inhibition" in a sentence?

Examples of "Inhibition" in a sentence: "an innate inhibition made it difficult for him to tell his girlfriend what he was really feeling"; "without the inhibition of their jackets, the boys were able to wrestle more vigorously".

Is "Inhibition" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Inhibition" is a noun.

Is "Inhibition" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Inhibition"?

"Inhibition" is pronounced /ˌin-hə-ˈbi-shən/ and divided into syllables as in·hi·bi·tion.