inhibit

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verb in·hib·it \in-ˈhi-bət\

: to keep (someone) from doing what he or she wants to do

: to prevent or slow down the activity or occurrence of (something)

Full Definition of INHIBIT

transitive verb

1

:  to prohibit from doing something

2

a :  to hold in check :  restrain

b :  to discourage from free or spontaneous activity especially through the operation of inner psychological or external social constraints

intransitive verb

:  to cause inhibition

— in·hib·i·tive \-bə-tiv\ adjective

— in·hib·i·to·ry \-bə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

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Examples of INHIBIT

1. You shouldn't allow fear of failure to inhibit you.
2. He was inhibited by modesty.
3. Fear can inhibit people from expressing their opinions.
4. drugs that are used to inhibit infection
5. Strict laws are inhibiting economic growth.

Origin of INHIBIT

Middle English, from Latin inhibitus, past participle of inhibēre, from in- ²in- + habēre to have — more at habit

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INHIBIT

Synonyms

clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, hamper, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel

Antonyms

aid, assist, facilitate, help

Related Words

balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain; bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie; arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard; barricade, block, blockade, roadblock; bog (down), mire; choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate; baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart; derail, disrupt, sabotage; muzzle, repress, suppress; confine, hedge (in), hem (in)

Near Antonyms

clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop; free, liberate, release, untie; loosen, smooth; encourage, further, promote

See Synonym Discussion at forbid

Rhymes with INHIBIT

exhibit, prohibit

inhibit

transitive verb in·hib·it \in-ˈhib-ət\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of INHIBIT

1

a :  to restrain from free or spontaneous activity especially through the operation of inner psychological or external social constraints <an inhibited person> b :  to check or restrain the force or vitality of <inhibit aggressive tendencies>

2

a :  to reduce or suppress the activity of <a presynaptic neuron can not only excite a postsynaptic neuron but can also inhibit it—H. W. Kendler> b :  to retard or prevent the formation of c :  to retard, interfere with, or prevent (a process or reaction) <inhibit ovulation>