inhibit

[in-hib-it]

verb (used with object)

1. to restrain, hinder, arrest, or check (an action, impulse, etc.).

   Synonyms: obstruct, discourage, repress

2. to prohibit; forbid.

   Synonyms: interdict

3. Psychology.,  to consciously or unconsciously suppress or restrain (psychologically or sociologically unacceptable behavior).

4. Chemistry.,  to decrease the rate of action of or stop (a chemical reaction).

inhibit

/ ɪnˈhɪbɪt /

verb

1. to restrain or hinder (an impulse, a desire, etc)

2. to prohibit; forbid

3. to stop, prevent, or decrease the rate of (a chemical reaction)

4. electronics

   1. to prevent the occurrence of (a particular signal) in a circuit

   2. to prevent the performance of (a particular operation)

Other Word Forms

• inhibitable adjective
• inhibitive adjective
• inhibitory adjective
• overinhibit verb (used with object)
• uninhibiting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhibit¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English inhibiten, from Latin inhibitus, past participle of inhibēre “to restrain,” equivalent to in- in- ² + -hibēre, combining form of habēre “to have, hold”

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhibit¹

C15: from Latin inhibēre to restrain, from _in- ² + habēre to have

Synonym Study

See forbid.

Example Sentences

"With a constrained Assembly mandate additional legislation beyond that already scheduled is unfortunately inhibited," it added.

From BBC

“City of Los Angeles departments have varying funding sources, missions, and directives, which can inhibit unified, citywide Smart City technology initiatives.”

From Los Angeles Times

She points to inherent economic challenges that inhibit the industry’s infrastructure and growth potential — such as limited funding sources — which consequently can make it challenging for companies and venues to fill seats.

From Los Angeles Times

As agents attempted to discover the tunnel’s starting point, they encountered barricades placed by workers to inhibit law enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

But he showed age is not inhibiting him as he won a 41-shot rally to save a break point in the fourth set on his way to beating Zverev in three hours and 18 minutes.

From BBC

Related Words

• constrain 
• curb 
• discourage 
• forbid 
• hinder 
• impede 
• obstruct 
• outlaw 
• prohibit 
• restrain 
• stymie 
• suppress 

When To Use

What’s the difference between inhibit and prohibit?

Prohibit most commonly means to forbid or disallow, but it can also mean what inhibit usually means—to prevent or hinder. Inhibit can also mean to forbid, but this use is much less common.Prohibit is most commonly used in the context of rules, especially official ones like laws. The speed limit prohibits you from going above a certain speed. Parents might prohibit their kids from eating candy before dinner, but the word forbid is more commonly used in cases like this.Inhibit, on the other hand, is usually used in the context of things that prevent or hinder what someone is trying to do. Speed bumps are designed to inhibit speeding. A leg injury can inhibit your ability to walk.The meaning of prohibit and inhibit most often overlaps in cases when something is inhibited to the point of almost not being able to happen at all, as in This cast is designed to prohibit movement (prohibit could be replaced with inhibit in this sentence without much or any change in meaning).The adjective form inhibited is often used to indicate that someone or something is held back from full potential. When it’s applied to a person, it usually involves a mental, emotional, or psychological block, as in I feel less inhibited around my new group of friends—they accept me for who I am.The adjective prohibited describes something that’s forbidden, as in The sign lists all of the prohibited activities. Here’s an example of inhibit and prohibit used correctly in the same sentence.Example: To inhibit the acceleration of climate change, we must prohibit any increase in fossil fuel emissions.Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between inhibit and prohibit.