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).
Words nearby inhibit
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
OTHER WORDS FROM inhibit
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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 of inhibit
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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Medical 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.
Other words from inhibit
in•hib′i•to′ry (-tôr′ē) adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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