First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
inhibit
verb in·hib·it \in-ˈhi-bət\
: to keep (someone) from doing what he or she wants to do
: to prevent or slow down the activity or occurrence of (something)
Full 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
See inhibit defined for English-language learners
See inhibit defined for kids
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Origin of INHIBIT
Middle English, from Latin inhibitus, past participle of inhibēre, from in- 2in- + habēre to have — more at habit
Related to INHIBIT
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>.
INHIBITED Defined for Kids
inhibit
verb in·hib·it \in-ˈhi-bət\
in·hib·it·edin·hib·it·ing
Definition of INHIBIT for Kids
: to prevent or hold back from doing something <Shyness inhibited her in making new friends.>
Medical Dictionary
inhibit
transitive verb in·hib·it \in-ˈhib-ət\
Medical Definition of INHIBIT
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>
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