inhibition

Definitions

A feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way.

The action of hindering, restraining, or preventing a process or behavior.

Examples

The child overcame his initial inhibition and began to play happily with the other students.

Alcohol is known to lower one's social inhibition, often leading to more outgoing behavior.

Synonyms

restraint suppression constraint reserve self-consciousness shyness check

Antonyms

freedom expression unrestraint confidence impulsiveness abandon release