inhibit
verb
in·hib·it
in-ˈhi-bət 
inhibited; inhibiting; inhibits
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
: to cause inhibition
Synonyms
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
While these factors can leave anyone feeling parched, this can be especially problematic for folks with UC, who tend to be less hydrated due to frequent bathroom trips and ongoing gut inflammation, which can inhibit water and electrolyte absorption.
—
Karla Walsh, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2024
Despite years of study resulting in an understanding of how fat is metabolized in the body, identifying an effective way of inhibiting its absorption in the intestine has remained out of reach.
—New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024
Pufferfish secrete tetrodotoxin, which can inhibit the victim’s nervous system and is lethal in large doses.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
While no food lasts forever, some hot sauces can last an incredibly long time due to their high vinegar content and low pH, which inhibits bacterial growth.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inhibit 
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Karla Walsh, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2024
Despite years of study resulting in an understanding of how fat is metabolized in the body, identifying an effective way of inhibiting its absorption in the intestine has remained out of reach.
—New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024
Pufferfish secrete tetrodotoxin, which can inhibit the victim’s nervous system and is lethal in large doses.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
While no food lasts forever, some hot sauces can last an incredibly long time due to their high vinegar content and low pH, which inhibits bacterial growth.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inhibit
Articles Related to inhibit
Dictionary Entries Near inhibit
Cite this Entry
“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhibit. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inhibit
verb
in·hib·it
in-ˈhib-ət
1
2
: to prevent or slow down the activity or occurrence of
oil inhibits rust
a drug which inhibits an infection
inhibitor
noun
-ət-ər
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
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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