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

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 The vinegar helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and keeps your flowers fresher longer. — Carly Orleach, Woman's Day, "How to Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer," 15 Feb. 2019 Imagine if it had been employed to alert the media to the dubious, longstanding, likely fraudulent science of radiation risk that has so inhibited the development of nuclear power. — Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, "Big Names Bake a Climate Pie in the Sky," 18 Jan. 2019 An antioxidant that boosts collagen production and inhibits pigment formation. — Allure, "The Skin-Care Glossary: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need to Know," 17 Aug. 2018 New research from Germany’s University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein suggests wearing neckties may lower blood flow to the brain and ultimately inhibit creativity and analytical thinking. — Fiza Pirani, ajc, "Men’s ties may reduce blood flow to the brain and limit work performance, study suggests," 10 July 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

22 Mar 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