inhibit

in·hib·it

verb \in-ˈhi-bət\

Definition of INHIBIT

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

— in·hib·i·tive \-bə-tiv\ adjective

— in·hib·i·to·ry \-bə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Examples of INHIBIT

1. You shouldn't allow fear of failure to inhibit you.
2. He was inhibited by modesty.
3. Fear can inhibit people from expressing their opinions.
4. drugs that are used to inhibit infection
5. Strict laws are inhibiting economic growth.

Origin 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

Related to INHIBIT

Synonyms: clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, hamper, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel

Antonyms: aid, assist, facilitate, help

Related Words: balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain; bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie; arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard; barricade, block, blockade, roadblock; bog (down), mire; choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate; baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart; derail, disrupt, sabotage; muzzle, repress, suppress; confine, hedge (in), hem (in)

Near Antonyms: clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop; free, liberate, release, untie; loosen, smooth; encourage, further, promote

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at forbid

Rhymes with INHIBIT

exhibit, prohibit