inhibition
Inhibition (noun) means a feeling of self-consciousness or fear that stops someone acting freely. Example: “Stage fright is really just an inhibition about performing in front of others.”
How to use inhibition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mental block that stops you doing something naturally, or (in science) a slowing-down of some process.
Word forms
inhibitions plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Stage fright is really just an _____ about performing in front of others.
Etymology
From Latin inhibitio, "a holding back," built from the verb inhibere, "to restrain."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for inhibition
Frequently asked questions
What does “inhibition” mean?
The word “inhibition” means a feeling of self-consciousness or fear that stops someone acting freely. In plain terms, a mental block that stops you doing something naturally, or (in science) a slowing-down of some process.
How do you pronounce “inhibition”?
“Inhibition” is pronounced ihn-hih-BIH-shuhn (/ɪnhɪˈbɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “inhibition” in a sentence?
Here is “inhibition” used in a sentence: “Stage fright is really just an inhibition about performing in front of others.”
What part of speech is “inhibition”?
“Inhibition” is a noun.
Where does the word “inhibition” come from?
The word “inhibition” comes from Latin. From Latin inhibitio, "a holding back," built from the verb inhibere, "to restrain.".
Is “inhibition” a common word?
“Inhibition” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “inhibition” have?
“Inhibition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of self-consciousness or fear that stops someone acting freely.