# inhibition

/ˌɪnəˈbɪʃən/ (US) · /ɪnhɪbˈɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inhibition
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 2. slowing a reaction

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The new drug works by the inhibition of a specific enzyme in the blood.
- Competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule similar to the substrate binds to the enzyme's active site, effectively blocking the intended reaction.

### 3. legal stay

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

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

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

- The judge issued an inhibition to prevent the lower court from ruling until the appeal was heard.
- The appellant sought a formal inhibition to halt the execution of the decree pending a full review by the high court.

### 4. recusal

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Technical

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

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

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

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

## Examples

- The music helped everyone lose their inhibition and start dancing.
- Alcohol often lowers a person's social inhibition, making them more likely to say things they would usually keep private.
- The drug works through the competitive inhibition of specific enzymes, effectively blocking the chemical signals that trigger a pain response in the central nervous system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.