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

Presidents inhibiting reasonable discussion and unilaterally making decisions without board votes are disrespecting the role of the other directors. —Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024

That inflammation then causes the Eustachian tube to become clogged, inhibiting it from opening and closing properly. —Blane Bachelor, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024

In one study that compared commercially available lubricants with coconut oil, all products except for coconut significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria.5 In addition, oils not intended as personal lubricants could lead to irritation and create a difficult-to-clean mess. —Nicole Harris, Parents, 2 Mar. 2024

The operation was intended to inhibit the Iranian ship’s ability to share intelligence with Houthi rebels in Yemen who have been firing missiles and drones at cargo ships in the Red Sea, the officials said. —NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024

The antitrust complaint also accuses Apple of blocking cloud-streaming apps for video games and inhibiting cross-platform messaging apps, forcing customers to keep buying iPhones. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2024

It has been used to suggest that the expression of four genes, not previously linked to heart disease, should be inhibited in order to help restore health to diseased heart cells. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024

Some research shows that vitamin D may also help inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells. —Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024

Designed for yoga, barre, Pilates, CrossFit, and other high-intensity workouts, the material provides support without inhibiting movement. —Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024

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

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