Inhibition: meaning, definitions and examples

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inhibition

[ˌɪnɪˈbɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

psychology

A conscious or unconscious restraint of a behavior, thought, or feeling.

Synonyms

constraint, restraint, suppression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inhibition	A feeling of fear or embarrassment that stops you from doing something. His social inhibition prevented him from speaking in public She overcame her inhibitions and danced freely
restraint	The action of holding oneself back physically or emotionally, often implying self-control or discipline. He showed great restraint by not responding to the insult Physical restraints were used to prevent the patient from injuring themselves
constraint	A limitation or restriction imposed on an action or behavior, often due to external factors like rules or physical limitations. Time constraints prevent us from extending the meeting Financial constraints limited their options to renovate the house
suppression	The act of stopping or preventing something with force, often having a negative or controlling connotation. The government faced criticism for the violent suppression of the protest Emotional suppression can lead to serious psychological issues

Examples of usage

Her fear of failure led to a constant state of inhibition, preventing her from taking risks.
Alcohol is known to lower inhibitions, leading people to act in ways they normally wouldn't.
Social norms can create inhibitions that limit individuals' actions and behaviors.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

biology

The action of a neuron in decreasing the activity of another neuron or group of neurons.

Synonyms

control, regulation, suppression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inhibition	This is often used in psychological or social contexts. It refers to a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way. Her shyness was a form of social inhibition. He felt an inhibition about speaking in public.
suppression	This often carries a negative connotation and is used when talking about forcibly stopping something. It is commonly used in psychological, political, or social contexts. The suppression of free speech has caused public outcry. He experienced emotional suppression during difficult times.
control	This word is broadly applicable across various contexts, from psychological to managerial. It generally refers to the power to influence or direct behavior or events. She struggled to maintain control over her emotions. The company implemented new measures for better control over its production process.
regulation	Typically used in legal, technical, or organizational settings. It refers to rules or directives made and maintained by an authority. The government introduced new regulations to reduce pollution. Financial regulations are critical for the stability of the economy.

Examples of usage

GABA is an important neurotransmitter involved in the inhibition of neural activity.
Excitatory and inhibitory signals help maintain the balance of neural firing in the brain.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In psychology, inhibition refers to the process that prevents impulses or emotions from being expressed, often to maintain social norms.
Research indicates that high levels of inhibition can lead to social anxiety and affect how individuals interact with others.

Neuroscience

The brain's prefrontal cortex is crucial for managing inhibition, helping people decide what to do or not do in certain situations.
Studies show that neurotransmitters play a role in inhibition, where imbalances can influence behavior and mood.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have varying levels of acceptance toward inhibition in social interactions, impacting communication styles.
In some cultures, being inhibited is viewed positively and associated with humility, while others value openness and self-expression.

Developmental Psychology

Inhibition develops during childhood and can vary greatly among kids; some may feel comfortable expressing themselves, while others may struggle.
Childhood experiences and parental influences significantly shape how children learn to manage their inhibition.

Literature and Art

Many authors explore themes of inhibition in their characters, portraying inner struggles with self-expression and societal expectations.
Artists often challenge their own inhibitions, using their work as a means to explore and break free from personal limitations.

Translations

Translations of the word "inhibition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inibição

🇮🇳 प्रतिबंध

🇩🇪 Hemmung

🇮🇩 inhibisi

🇺🇦 інгібіція

🇵🇱 inhibicja

🇯🇵 抑制

🇫🇷 inhibition

🇪🇸 inhibición

🇹🇷 engelleme

🇰🇷 억제

🇸🇦 تثبيط

🇨🇿 inhibice

🇸🇰 inhibícia

🇨🇳 抑制

🇸🇮 inhibicija

🇮🇸 hömlun

🇰🇿 тежелу

🇬🇪 შეკავება

🇦🇿 inhibisiya

🇲🇽 inhibición

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,799 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5796 conceive
5797 assign
5798 proving
5799 inhibition
5800 opponents
5801 conventions
5802 football
...