Inhibited Meaning in English
word · lemma: inhibit
Definition
Feeling too shy, self-conscious, or restrained to act or speak freely. It can also mean something is prevented or held back.
Usage & Nuances
Describes someone who holds back due to shyness or self-doubt, often in social situations. Common collocations: 'feel inhibited', 'socially inhibited', 'inhibited by'. Can describe both emotional states and something physically or chemically held back (e.g., a reaction inhibited by cold). More formal than 'shy'.
Example Sentences
She felt inhibited at the party and didn’t talk much.
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Some children can be inhibited in new environments.
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His fear of making mistakes made him inhibited during the meeting.
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I used to be really inhibited about singing in public, but now I love karaoke.
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The medicine inhibited his appetite, so he ate less.
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Don’t feel inhibited—just be yourself and have fun!
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