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inhibition

[/ˌɪn.hɪˈbɪʃ.ən/]
nounfemininepl: inibições
inibição
1. The action of inhibiting or restraining; the state of being inhibited
The inhibition of growth was caused by lack of nutrients.
A inibição do crescimento foi causada pela falta de nutrientes.
2. A feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed way
She overcame her inhibitions and danced freely at the party.
Ela superou suas inibições e dançou livremente na festa.
3. A psychological defense mechanism that suppresses unwanted thoughts or impulses
Psychologists study inhibition of desire in human behavior.
Psicólogos estudam a inibição do desejo no comportamento humano.
4. In chemistry and biology, the slowing or prevention of a chemical reaction or biological process
The enzyme inhibition prevented the reaction from occurring.
A inibição da enzima impediu que a reação ocorresse.
NYC Slang
hangup
Synonyms
restraintsuppressionrepressionhindranceconstraint
Antonyms
disinhibitionfreedomexpressionliberty

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
inibição
Standard usage in both formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
inibição
Common in business and psychological contexts
Rio de Janeiro
inibição
Used alongside colloquial expressions for shyness
Portugal
inibição
Standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

overcome one's inhibitions
break free from inhibition
without inhibition
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