Inhibited
[ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd]
Definitions
2 meaningsPrevented or restrained from a natural or desired action or expression; self-conscious and unable to relax.
[ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd]
Restrained or suppressed, often due to psychological or social factors.
He was too inhibited to speak up in the meeting.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party and you're too shy to dance or talk to new people. You might feel inhibited, like something is holding you back.
👶 For kids: When you feel shy and don't want to do things you might normally do, like talking or playing.
More Examples
The artist's creativity was inhibited by his fear of failure.
She was inhibited by her lack of experience.
How It's Used
"The patient felt inhibited about discussing her childhood."
"She was very inhibited in public, but much more outgoing with close friends."
Having been restrained or suppressed; held back from a usual course of action.
[ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd]
Having been restrained or prevented from doing something.
The new regulations inhibited economic growth.
💡 Simply: If you are inhibited from doing something, it means someone or something stopped you or held you back from doing it.
👶 For kids: When something stops you from doing something you want to do.
More Examples
The feeling of guilt inhibited her from telling the truth.
The chemical reaction was inhibited by the presence of a catalyst.
How It's Used
"The enzyme's activity was inhibited by the presence of the inhibitor."
"His anger was inhibited by the fear of consequences."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin inhibitus, past participle of inhibere 'to restrain, hold back', from in- 'in, on' + habere 'to hold'.
The word 'inhibited' has been used since the 17th century, initially referring to actions being restrained or held back.
Memory tip
Think of someone being *in* a *habit* of being restrained.
Word Origin
"to restrain or hold back"