inhibit
[in-hib-it]
- to restrain, hinder, arrest, or check (an action, impulse, etc.).
- to prohibit; forbid.
- Psychology. to consciously or unconsciously suppress or restrain (psychologically or sociologically unacceptable behavior).
- Chemistry. to decrease the rate of action of or stop (a chemical reaction).
Show More
Origin of inhibit
1425–75; late Middle English inhibiten < Latin inhibitus, past participle of inhibēre to restrain, equivalent to in- in-2 + -hibēre, combining form of habēre to have, hold
Synonyms
See more synonyms for inhibit on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for inhibit
Contemporary Examples
Studies have repeatedly shown that Plan B ok “does not inhibit implantation.”
If the technology works well, secrecy can inhibit its deployment.
“Oil is antimicrobial and gets into the tissues of the mouth to inhibit bacterial growth,” says Caldecott.
Since the FDA approved Plan B in 1999, repeated studies have shown the drug does not inhibit implantation.
IUDs, also named in the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga suits, almost certainly can inhibit implantation.
Historical Examples
It shares, we said, with attention, the power to reënforce and to inhibit.
PsychotherapyHugo Mnsterberg
To close the path means to inhibit the idea which demands such action.
PsychotherapyHugo Mnsterberg
The wine would cleanse and at least inhibit bacterial growth.
Old-Time Makers of MedicineJames J. Walsh
Such excretions often serve to inhibit further multiplication.
Insects and DiseasesRennie W. Doane
The finest—and no acute case of puritanism to inhibit his enjoyment.
Inside John BarthWilliam W. Stuart
inhibit
- to restrain or hinder (an impulse, a desire, etc)
- to prohibit; forbid
- to stop, prevent, or decrease the rate of (a chemical reaction)
- electronics
- to prevent the occurrence of (a particular signal) in a circuit
- to prevent the performance of (a particular operation)
Show More
Word Origin
C15: from Latin inhibēre to restrain, from in- ² + habēre to have
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for inhibit
v.
early 15c., "to forbid, prohibit," back-formation from inhibition or else from Latin inhibitus, past participle of inhibere "to hold in, hold back, keep back" (see inhibition). Psychological sense (1876) is from earlier, softened meaning of "restrain, check, hinder" (1530s). Related: Inhibited; inhibiting.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
inhibit
(ĭn-hĭb′ĭt)- To hold back; restrain.
- To suppress or restrain a behavioral process, an impulse, or a desire consciously or unconsciously.
- To prevent or decrease the rate of a chemical reaction.
- To decrease, limit, or block the action or function of something in the body, as an enzyme or organ.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.