inhibit

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verb in·hib·it \in-ˈhi-bət\

Definition of inhibit

transitive verb
1 : to prohibit from doing something
2a : to hold in check : restrainb : to discourage from free or spontaneous activity especially through the operation of inner psychological or external social constraints
intransitive verb
: to cause inhibition

inhibitive

play \in-ˈhi-bə-tiv\ adjective

inhibitory

play \in-ˈhi-bə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

See inhibit defined for English-language learners

See inhibit defined for kids

Examples of inhibit in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of inhibit from the Web

Satellite imagery also reveals a plume of dust which inhibited Don’s growth.

— jason samenow, Washington Post, "Tropical storm Don bites the dust in Atlantic. It’s not yet Hilary’s time in the Pacific.," 19 July 2017
More weakening is anticipated on Wednesday, when Don is expected to enter a zone with dry air and more wind shear, which can inhibit strengthening.

— leigh morgan, AL.com, "Tropical Storm Don 2017 tracks closer to Caribbean -- then where?," 18 July 2017
Her analyses revealed how a protein called Tat is activated to cause HIV replication; inhibiting this mechanism could lead to new drugs to control HIV.

— gary robbins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2 top female scientists sue Salk Institute for gender discrimination," 13 July 2017
The rheumatoid arthritis drug etanercept, which inhibits a key cytokine that leads to inflammation, also had no effect.

— jon cohen, Science | AAAS, "A stem cell transplant helped beat back a young doctor’s cancer. Now, it’s assaulting his body," 12 July 2017
Another option, Vivitrol, blocks opioid receptors, which inhibits the person’s ability to get high.

— elana gordon, Kaiser Health News, "Do-It-Yourself Detox Can Be ‘Freddy Krueger’ Scary — And Usually Fails," 7 July 2017
Some weeds, like quackgrass, can chemically inhibit vegetable plant growth.

— don sorrell, Cincinnati.com, "Weed control in the vegetable garden," 29 June 2017
Studies have shown that the oil may inhibit the growth of cancer cells outside of the human body, but there haven’t been any real-life trials to back up these findings.

— amanda macmillan, Health.com, "10 Things to Know About Pot and Your Health," 29 June 2017
The virus itself is not deadly, but the tumors can routinely lead to death by inhibiting feeding and swimming.

— jenny staletovich, miamiherald, "Lab-grown skin may be key to helping sea turtles afflicted with ugly herpes tumors," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inhibit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of inhibit

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of inhibit

forbid, prohibit, interdict, inhibit mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done. forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected. smoking is forbidden in the building prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations. prohibited the sale of liquor interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose. practices interdicted by the church inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation. conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

INHIBIT Defined for English Language Learners

inhibit

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verb

Definition of inhibit for English Language Learners

: to keep (someone) from doing what he or she wants to do
: to prevent or slow down the activity or occurrence of (something)

INHIBIT Defined for Kids

inhibit

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verb in·hib·it \in-ˈhi-bət\

Definition of inhibit for Students

inhibited

;

inhibiting

: to prevent or hold back from doing something Shyness inhibited her in making new friends.

Medical Dictionary

inhibit

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transitive verb in·hib·it \in-ˈhib-ət\

Medical Definition of inhibit

1a: to restrain from free or spontaneous activity especially through the operation of inner psychological or external social constraints an inhibited personb: to check or restrain the force or vitality of inhibit aggressive tendencies
2a: to reduce or suppress the activity of a presynaptic neuron can not only excite a postsynaptic neuron but can also inhibit it—H. W. Kendlerb: to retard or prevent the formation ofc: to retard, interfere with, or prevent (a process or reaction) inhibit ovulation