inhibit

American  

[in-hib-it] / ɪnˈhɪb ɪt /

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 British  

/ 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)

---

Usage

What’s the difference between inhibit and prohibit? Prohibit most commonly means to forbid or disallow, but it can also mean what inhibit usually means—to prevent or hinder. Inhibit can also mean to forbid, but this use is much less common. Prohibit is most commonly used in the context of rules, especially official ones like laws. The speed limit prohibits you from going above a certain speed. Parents might prohibit their kids from eating candy before dinner, but the word forbid is more commonly used in cases like this. Inhibit, on the other hand, is usually used in the context of things that prevent or hinder what someone is trying to do. Speed bumps are designed to inhibit speeding. A leg injury can inhibit your ability to walk. The meaning of prohibit and inhibit most often overlaps in cases when something is inhibited to the point of almost not being able to happen at all, as in This cast is designed to prohibit movement (prohibit could be replaced with inhibit in this sentence without much or any change in meaning). The adjective form inhibited is often used to indicate that someone or something is held back from full potential. When it’s applied to a person, it usually involves a mental, emotional, or psychological block, as in I feel less inhibited around my new group of friends—they accept me for who I am. The adjective prohibited describes something that’s forbidden, as in The sign lists all of the prohibited activities. Here’s an example of inhibit and prohibit used correctly in the same sentence. Example: To inhibit the acceleration of climate change, we must prohibit any increase in fossil fuel emissions. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between inhibit and prohibit.

Synonym Usage

See forbid.

Other Word Forms

• inhibitable
  adjective
• inhibitive
  adjective
• inhibitory
  adjective
• overinhibit
  verb (used with object)
• uninhibiting
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of inhibit

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”

Explanation

When you inhibit something, you block it or hold it back. If you put plants in a dark room, you inhibit their growth. A teacher who mocks their students for giving wrong answers inhibits their willingness to speak up in class. When you look at the word inhibit, think hinder. Though it sounds like it might be a bad thing to inhibit something else, there is no judgment built into the word. A drug that inhibits the growth of cancer cells would generally be considered a very good thing. While you may wish cancer cells to be inhibited, you probably don't wish it upon your friend's sense of humor or your country's economic growth.

Example Sentences

Adding new maritime competitors to the domestic freight market would inhibit the railroads’ ability to pass through price increases to customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

It would inhibit communication with her friends, diminish the entertainment she enjoys and cut her off from role models.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

The team also identified 11 genes that may have the ability to kill or inhibit bacteria, fungi, and even viruses.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2026

"But it can also inhibit the growth of several major antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs' and showed important enzymatic activities with important biotechnological potential."

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2026

The outside of the suit was covered with an elaborate exoskeleton, a network of artificial tendons and joints that could both sense and inhibit my movements.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Related Words

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