Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈhɪbɪʃən/

Definitions

• Noun: The action or process of inhibiting or being inhibited, especially the act of restraining or holding back.
• The state of being hindered or restrained, either psychologically or physically.
• A mechanism in biological or chemical processes that prevents or reduces activity or growth.

Usage Examples

• The inhibition of growth in plants due to the lack of sunlight.
• His self-inhibition prevented him from speaking his mind in meetings.
• The drug has an inhibition effect on the enzyme that causes inflammation.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "inhibitio," meaning "a holding back, restraint," from "inhibere," meaning "to hinder" or "to restrain." The term has been used in both psychological and physiological contexts since the 16th century.

Synonyms

• Restraint
• Suppression
• Hindrance
• Impediment
• Control

Antonyms

• Encouragement
• Promotion
• Activation
• Facilitation
• Assistance

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different regions, "inhibition" may have slight variations in pronunciation, particularly with the vowel sounds. In American English, the stress is often on the second syllable, while in British English, the stress may fall on the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The term "inhibition" has been used in both philosophical and scientific contexts since the early 17th century, particularly in discussions around psychology and biology. In early psychology, inhibition referred to the suppression of mental or physical impulses. Over time, its meaning has expanded into various fields such as neuroscience, linguistics, and law.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of inhibition is highly relevant in psychology, where it refers to the process by which certain actions or thoughts are restrained. In different cultures, inhibition can be viewed positively, as self-control, or negatively, as a hindrance to personal expression and creativity.

More Information

Inhibition is a key concept in psychology, biology, and social sciences. It plays an important role in regulating behavior, emotions, and even physiological processes. Inhibition can be both voluntary and involuntary, and can result from external constraints (such as laws or social norms) or internal factors (such as self-control). The study of inhibition has broad applications, from understanding mental health disorders to influencing educational strategies.

• Wikipedia - Inhibition (Psychology)
• Encyclopedia Britannica - Inhibition