inhibit
[ in-hib-it ]
/ ɪnˈhɪb ɪt /
verb (used with object)
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).
Nearby words
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 FOR inhibit
Related forms
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for inhibit
British Dictionary definitions for inhibit
inhibit
/ (ɪnˈhɪbɪt) /
verb -its, -iting or -ited (tr)
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)
Derived Forms
inhibitable, adjectiveinhibitive or inhibitory, adjectiveWord Origin for inhibit
C15: from Latin inhibēre to restrain, from in- ² + habēre to have
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for inhibit
inhibit
[ ĭn-hĭb′ĭt ]
v.
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.
Related forms
in•hib′i•to′ry (-tôr′ē) adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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