inhibition /in′hibish″ən/ [L, inhibere, to restrain] , 1. (in psychology) the unconscious restraint of a behavioral process, usually resulting from the social or cultural forces of the environment; the condition inducing such restraint. 2. (in psychoanalysis) the process in which the superego prevents the conscious expression of an unconscious instinctual drive, thought, or urge. 3. (in physiology) the restraint, checking, or arrest of the action of an organ or cell or the reduction of a physiological activity by antagonistic stimulation. 4. (in chemistry) the stopping or slowing of the rate of a chemical reaction. Formerly called negative catalysis.
