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)

Derived Forms

• inˈhibitable, adjective
• inˈhibitive, adjective

Other Words From

• in·hib·it·a·ble adjective
• in·hib·i·to·ry [in-, hib, -i-tawr-ee], in·hib·i·tive adjective
• o·ver·in·hib·it verb (used with object)
• un·in·hib·it·ing 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.

Related Words

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