inhibit

verb

in·​hib·​it in-ˈhi-bət 

inhibited; inhibiting; inhibits

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

inhibitive

in-ˈhi-bə-tiv 

adjective

inhibitory

in-ˈhi-bə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

This is another topical option that brightens skin and fades dark spots by inhibiting melanin production. —Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025

Harvard’s decision to fight back has led to mixed responses, with some celebrating the action and others worrying this will inhibit efforts to create real change on campus. —Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025

This lack of coordination slows innovation and inhibits the development of seamless customer experiences. —Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

These cells play a central role in our immune system, reducing inflammation and inhibiting other cells that can overreact in the face of some triggers, causing a runaway immune response. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inhibitus, past participle of inhibēre, from in- in- entry 2 + habēre to have — more at habit entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for inhibit

• exhibit
• prohibit
• gibbet
• thibet

Kids Definition

inhibit

verb

in·​hib·​it in-ˈhib-ət 

1

: to prevent or hold back from doing something : restrain, repress

fear can inhibit the natural expression of feelings

2

: to prevent or slow down the activity or occurrence of

oil inhibits rust

a drug which inhibits an infection

inhibitor

-ət-ər

noun

inhibitory

-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

inhibit

transitive verb

in·​hib·​it in-ˈhib-ət 

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