ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inhibited

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈhɪbətɪd// UK //ɪnhˈɪbɪtɪd// in·hib·it·ed

adj. feeling shy or nervous, which stops you from saying or doing what you want.

adj. restrained or self-conscious in behavior; unable to act in a relaxed or natural way due to social or internal anxiety. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'seem'.


SIMPLE

She felt inhibited and didn't join the dance.

CONTEXTUAL

Many people feel inhibited when speaking a new language because they are afraid of making mistakes in front of others.

COMPLEX

The presence of the cameras made the interviewees feel inhibited, resulting in a series of stiff and overly formal responses that lacked their usual spontaneity.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often follows linking verbs such as 'feel', 'seem', or 'become'.

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