definitions

inhibition

[ in-i-bish-uh n, in-hi- ]
/ ˌɪn ɪˈbɪʃ ən, ˌɪn hɪ- /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inhibition ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

RELATED CONTENT

Inhibit vs. ProhibitThough both words have similar definitions, inhibit and prohibit aren’t interchangeable. In general, someone is inhibited by internal feelings or prohibited by an external source.
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Inhibit vs. ProhibitThough both words have similar definitions, inhibit and prohibit aren’t interchangeable. In general, someone is inhibited by internal feelings or prohibited by an external source.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

shyness, reticence, embargo, bar, barrier, blockage, restraint, interference, prohibition, obstacle, suppression, interdict, check, prevention, reserve, sublimation

Nearby words

inheritrix, inhesion, inhibin, inhibit, inhibited, inhibition, inhibitor, inhibitory, inhibitory fiber, inhibitory nerve, inhibitory obsession

Origin of inhibition

1350–1400; Middle English inhibicio(u)n < Latin inhibitiōn- (stem of inhibitiō). See inhibit, -ion

Related forms

in·ter·in·hi·bi·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for inhibition

British Dictionary definitions for inhibition

inhibition

/ (ˌɪnɪˈbɪʃən, ˌɪnhɪ-) /

noun

the act of inhibiting or the condition of being inhibited
psychol
  1. a mental state or condition in which the varieties of expression and behaviour of an individual become restricted
  2. the weakening of a learned response usually as a result of extinction or because of the presence of a distracting stimulus
  3. (in psychoanalytical theory) the unconscious restraining of an impulseSee also repression
the process of stopping or retarding a chemical reaction
physiol the suppression of the function or action of an organ or part, as by stimulation of its nerve supply
Church of England an episcopal order suspending an incumbent
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for inhibition

inhibition

[ ĭn′hə-bĭsh′ən, ĭn′ə- ]

n.

The act of inhibiting or the state of being inhibited.
Something that restrains, blocks, or suppresses.
The conscious or unconscious restraint of a behavioral process, a desire, or an impulse.
Any of a variety of processes that are associated with the gradual attenuation, masking, and extinction of a previously conditioned response.
The condition in which or the process by which a reaction is inhibited.
The condition in which or the process by which an enzyme is inhibited.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for inhibition

inhibition

[ ĭn′hə-bĭsh′ən ]

The blocking or limiting of the activity of an organ, tissue, or cell of the body, caused by the action of a nerve or neuron or by the release of a substance such as a hormone or neurotransmitter. Compare excitation.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for inhibition

inhibition

A personal hindrance to activity or expression. For example, fear of contracting cancer might serve as an inhibition against smoking.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.