inhibit

verb

in·​hib·​it in-ˈhi-bət How to pronounce inhibit (audio)
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
inhibitive adjective
inhibitory 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 This peptide prevents wrinkles by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters—as Botox does. Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024 The same study also showed that tamanu oil may inhibit the growth of propionibacterium acnes and propionibacterium granulosum, two bacterium that are implicated with acne. Sophia Panych, Allure, 29 Feb. 2024 Its gladius — the hard interior shell at the top of its body — measured about 9 inches long, but leaked ink inhibited a full reconstruction, researchers said. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 In research across five countries, researchers from Columbia and Stanford Universities found that videoconferencing inhibits the production of creative ideas. London School Of Economics, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 These threats of lawsuits will inhibit — not spread — internet access. Stephen Moore, Orange County Register, 11 Feb. 2024 The appeals panel rejected Trump’s argument that the potential for criminal prosecutions of former presidents would inhibit their actions in office. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2024 Here, experts discuss how to think about the ick and how to determine if what’s causing the ick may inhibit a healthy relationship. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 15 Feb. 2024 The hood stays put and doesn't blow off my head too easily, and the jacket has a slightly trim fit that doesn't inhibit my mobility. Matt Jancer, WIRED, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inhibit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near inhibit

Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhibit. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inhibit

verb
in·​hib·​it in-ˈhib-ət How to pronounce inhibit (audio)
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 How to pronounce inhibit (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
adjective

Medical Definition

inhibit

transitive verb
in·​hib·​it in-ˈhib-ət How to pronounce inhibit (audio)
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 itH. W. Kendler
b
: to retard or prevent the formation of
c
: to retard, interfere with, or prevent (a process or reaction)
inhibit ovulation

More from Merriam-Webster on inhibit

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