release inhibitions

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   to become less shy or self-controlled, so that you do or say things you would normally hold back.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase with a possessive word before 'inhibitions': release your inhibitions, release her inhibitions.

   Patterns

   • release your inhibitions
   • release someone's inhibitions
   • alcohol releases inhibitions

   A couple of drinks helped him release his inhibitions and talk to strangers.

   The music was so good that everyone released their inhibitions and danced.

   She said the workshop was designed to help shy students release their inhibitions.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   to make a person or group feel freer to behave in an open, less guarded way.

   Grammar: Often used with a thing as the subject: a party, a holiday, or a song can release inhibitions.

   Patterns

   • something releases someone's inhibitions
   • release the inhibitions of a group

   The summer festival seemed to release the inhibitions of the whole town.

   A safe, friendly atmosphere can release inhibitions better than any speech.

Common combinations

release your inhibitions

At karaoke night, even quiet people release their inhibitions.

alcohol releases inhibitions

People say alcohol releases inhibitions, which is why parties get loud.

help someone release their inhibitions

The teacher used games to help students release their inhibitions.

lose your inhibitions

After a few songs she lost her inhibitions and sang along.

let go of your inhibitions

He found it hard to let go of his inhibitions in front of the camera.

Synonyms and how they differ

let loose

Informal and more general; it means to act freely, while 'release inhibitions' focuses on the inner shyness or self-control that disappears.

come out of your shell

Describes a shy person becoming more social over time, not a sudden freeing of self-control.

loosen up

Informal and often used for muscles or a tense mood; it can mean relax, but it does not always suggest losing self-control.

Opposites

Word family

inhibition noun

A feeling that makes you careful or shy about doing something.

inhibited adjective

Shy and unable to act or speak freely.

uninhibited adjective

Acting freely and openly, without worrying what others think.

release verb

To let something go or become free.

Commonly confused: release inhibitions or inhibition? release inhibitions or prohibition?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “release inhibitions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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