Disinhibition

/ˌdɪsɪnhɪˈbɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The removal or reduction of something that was preventing behavior; loss of the mental blocks that normally stop you from acting or speaking.

Etymology

From dis- (remove) + inhibition (restraint, from Latin inhibere 'to hold back'). The term entered psychology and neurology in the early 1900s to describe what happens when the brain's natural restrictions are removed.

Kelly Says

Disinhibition explains why people often become loud and silly after one drink—alcohol doesn't make you happier, it removes the social inhibitions your brain uses to keep you quiet and polite. It's also why internet anonymity changes behavior so dramatically: remove social consequences and watch what emerges.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.