uninhibited
un-in-HIB-it-id
/ˌʌnɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/
Free from social self-consciousness, restraint, or suppression; expressing thoughts and feelings openly.
Can be positive (spontaneous, natural) or negative (lacking necessary manners), depending on context.
The story behind the word. Combines English 'un-' with Latin 'inhibere' (to hold back or restrain, from 'habere' = to hold). Being uninhibited means not being held back by inner fears.
Word relationships
- unrestrained: Unrestrained applies to physical objects or forces; uninhibited applies to human social psychology.
- inhibited: Inhibited means held back by anxiety, embarrassment, or self-consciousness.
Commonly confused with
- unhabitable: Unhabitable means unsuitable to live in; uninhibited means free from psychological restraint.
Word family
- uninhibitedly (adverb): Without suppression or self-restraint.
- inhibition (noun): A feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act naturally.
Collocations
- uninhibited laughter
- uninhibited behavior
- uninhibited expression
Idioms & expressions
- let your hair down
Example sentences
- "The dancers moved with uninhibited passion across the stage, throwing away rigid choreography." Artistic expression
Memory hook
UN-INHIBITED people are NOT HELD in by fear. Not held back.
When not to use
Avoid when describing careful, highly calculated, or shy behavior.
Fun facts
- Psychologist Sigmund Freud popularized the concept of 'inhibition' in modern mental health.
Related words
Explore more words
unfettered, unconstrained, liberated, spontaneous, candid, permissive
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