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.

Origin and Etymology 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

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 in·hib·it \in-ˈhi-bət\

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

play

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