To remove or lessen inhibitions; to encourage or release behaviors, thoughts, or feelings that are usually suppressed or restrained. This can be achieved through various means, including the use of substances like alcohol or drugs, experiencing heightened emotional states, or being placed in situations where social norms are relaxed. Disinhibition can manifest in a wide range of behaviors, from increased talkativeness and impulsivity to heightened aggression or impaired judgment. The extent and nature of disinhibition are highly dependent on the individual's personality, the context, and the specific trigger.
Disinhibit meaning with examples
- After a few glasses of wine, Sarah found herself disinhibited and confessed her long-held secret crush to her friend, something she would never have done sober. The alcohol lowered her social inhibitions and allowed her true feelings to surface, much to her own slight embarrassment the following morning.
- During the wild concert, the electrifying atmosphere disinhibited the crowd. People felt free to dance without self-consciousness, scream their lungs out, and generally express themselves in a way that was uncommon during their usual daily lives. This resulted in an explosion of raw energy and enthusiasm.
- The therapist encouraged her client to disinhibit during their sessions, guiding her to explore and express repressed emotions stemming from past trauma. Through this process, the client was able to begin confronting her past and work through painful experiences in a safe environment.
- The intense heat of the argument disinhibited John, causing him to lash out with hurtful words he immediately regretted. His anger removed his usual filter and the social barriers that normally kept his temper in check, causing harm and leaving him with remorse.