inhibit

verb

in·hib·it | \ in-ˈhi-bət

inhibited; inhibiting; inhibits

Definition of inhibit

1 : to prohibit from doing something

2a : 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

Other Words from inhibit Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about inhibit

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Other Words from inhibit

inhibitive \ in-ˈhi-bə-tiv

\ adjective

inhibitory \ in-ˈhi-bə-ˌtȯr-ē

\ adjective

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

There are reasons beyond these, of course (including physical and medical reasons, like being postpartum or suffering from vaginal pain, called dyspareunia), why your body might be inhibited. — Gigi Engle, Marie Claire, "Why Can't I Have an Orgasm?," 28 May 2018 The bristles of this manual brush are treated with silver, which inhibits bacterial growth. — Joanne Chen, Redbook, "Teeth: An Owner's Manual," 24 July 2017 The new rule inhibits investors’ understanding of companies’ real performance, and it should be done away with. — Donald E. Graham, WSJ, "I Can’t See Berkshire’s Bottom Line," 7 Nov. 2018 His talent needed to be honed, of course, but Riccardi knew early on that there was no point trying to inhibit him. — New York Times, "World Cup 2018: The Boys From the Banlieues," 7 June 2018 And finally, there's metal primer, which is made with rust-inhibiting ingredients. — Emma Bazilian, House Beautiful, "Ready For A Paint Makeover? Here's What You Need To Know About Primer," 16 Jan. 2019 As predicted, the structure of the colonies inhibited the transmission of pathogens. — Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, "Sick ants stay away from the kids," 26 Nov. 2018 The process is strongly inhibited in the presence of ammonium, which mainly comes from proteins in waste. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Bacteria Could Transform Human Feces and Wastewater Into Energy," 13 Nov. 2018 From sub-Saharan Africa to India, Iran, and several other countries, the stigma surrounding menstruation and lack of access to proper sanitation directly inhibit young women from pursuing an education. — refinery29.com, "Meghan Markle Has Championed Menstrual Equity — Here's Why You Should Too," 21 May 2018

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.

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Last Updated

17 May 2019

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Time Traveler for inhibit

The first known use of inhibit was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for inhibit

inhibit

verb

English Language Learners Definition of inhibit

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

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

See the full definition for inhibit in the English Language Learners Dictionary

inhibit

verb

in·hib·it | \ in-ˈhi-bət

inhibited; inhibiting

Kids Definition of inhibit

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

inhibit

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 person

b : 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. Kendler

b : to retard or prevent the formation of

c : to retard, interfere with, or prevent (a process or reaction) inhibit ovulation