English Reference
noun

inhibition

n.
US /ˌɪnəˈbɪʃən/ UK /ɪnhɪbˈɪʃən/ in·hi·bi·tion UK spelling inhibition's, inhibition's

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the process of slowing down or stopping a chemical or biological reaction.

    the process of slowing or preventing a chemical or physiological reaction, often by the presence of a specific substance.

    Simple

    The new drug works by the inhibition of a specific enzyme in the blood.

    In context

    Competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule similar to the substrate binds to the enzyme's active site, effectively blocking the intended reaction.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical Law

    a formal order from a higher court to stop a lower court from continuing a case.

    a writ or order issued by a superior court to stay proceedings in an inferior court.

    Simple

    The judge issued an inhibition to prevent the lower court from ruling until the appeal was heard.

    In context

    The appellant sought a formal inhibition to halt the execution of the decree pending a full review by the high court.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency DialectTechnical Law

    when a judge or official steps away from a case because they might be biased.

    the act of a judge or official disqualifying themselves from a proceeding due to a conflict of interest.

    Simple

    The lawyer filed a motion for the judge's inhibition due to his friendship with the defendant.

    In context

    The justice's voluntary inhibition from the case was praised as a necessary step to maintain the appearance of judicial impartiality.

    Usage

    Primarily used in the legal system of the Philippines.

    Teacher's tip

    This specific sense is highly regional; in most English-speaking legal systems, 'recusal' is the standard term.


From Middle English inhibicioun, inhibicione from Old French inibicion, from Latin inhibitio. Morphologically inhibit + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin inhibitio
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated