Inhibit: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫
Add to dictionary

inhibit

 

[ɪnˈhɪbɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to restrict

To prevent or slow down the progress or development of something. It can also refer to suppressing or restraining a behavior or action.

Synonyms

hinder, limit, restrain, restrict, suppress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
inhibit

Use 'inhibit' when referring to preventing or holding back a process, reaction, or function, often in a scientific or psychological context.

  • The presence of this chemical can inhibit the growth of bacteria
  • His fear of failure may inhibit him from trying new things
restrict

Use 'restrict' when placing a ban or limit on someone or something, reducing freedom or preventing access.

  • The new rules will restrict movement within the quarantine zone
  • The school restricts students from using mobile phones during class
restrain

Use 'restrain' when talking about holding back someone or something physically or controlling actions or emotions, often used in a legal or physical context.

  • Security had to restrain the man who was trying to enter the building
  • She could barely restrain her anger
limit

Use 'limit' to describe setting a boundary or maximum amount, often in a controlled or intentional way.

  • The company will limit the number of attendees to ensure everyone's safety
  • You should limit your screen time for better sleep
hinder

Use 'hinder' when something slows down progress or makes it more difficult to achieve a goal.

  • The heavy snowfalls hindered our journey
  • Lack of resources hinders the development of the project
suppress

Use 'suppress' for stopping or prohibiting something, often used in contexts involving feelings, information, or uprisings, with potentially negative connotations.

  • The government tried to suppress the rebellion
  • She struggled to suppress her laughter during the meeting

Examples of usage

  • He tried to inhibit the growth of the bacteria by adding a disinfectant.
  • The fear of failure inhibited her from taking risks.
  • The medication inhibits the production of certain enzymes.
  • The strict rules inhibit creativity in the workplace.
  • His shyness inhibited him from speaking up in meetings.
Context #2 | Verb

to block

To hinder or prevent the action or function of something. It can refer to blocking a process or pathway.

Synonyms

block, hinder, impede, obstruct, thwart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
inhibit

Used when describing the act of restraining or holding back an action, feeling, or process, often in a psychological or scientific context.

  • Her shyness inhibits her ability to speak in public.
  • The medication inhibits the growth of bacteria.
hinder

Used when something slows down progress or makes it more difficult to achieve a goal. Often has a slight negative connotation.

  • Heavy traffic can hinder emergency vehicles.
  • His lack of experience hindered the project's success.
impede

Similar to 'hinder,' but often used in more formal or technical contexts to indicate an obstruction in progress or movement.

  • The soldiers used barricades to impede the enemy's advance.
  • Poor infrastructure can impede economic growth.
block

Best used when something is completely stopped or physically prevented from moving forward. Often used in physical, technical, or metaphorical contexts.

  • A fallen tree blocked the road.
  • The software blocks unauthorized access.
obstruct

Typically used to describe a physical barrier that blocks the way of something or someone. Can also be used metaphorically.

  • The large tree obstructs the view from the window.
  • He was arrested for attempting to obstruct justice.
thwart

Used when speaking about preventing someone's plans or efforts from being successful. Has a more direct and intentional connotation.

  • The hero's actions thwarted the villain's plan.
  • The weather thwarted their attempt to climb the mountain.

Examples of usage

  • The drug inhibits the action of certain neurotransmitters.
  • The firewall inhibits unauthorized access to the network.
  • Emotional stress can inhibit cognitive function.
  • Smoking can inhibit lung function.
  • High levels of caffeine can inhibit sleep.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'inhibit' comes from the Latin 'inhibere,' which means to hold back or restrain.
  • It has roots in the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not,' combined with 'habere' meaning 'to have,' which emphasizes stopping or holding onto.
  • The term entered the English language in the early 17th century, meaning to restrain or prevent.

Psychology

  • In psychology, to inhibit means to control or limit impulses, such as stopping yourself from saying something rude.
  • Some mental health conditions can lead to reduced ability to inhibit thoughts or actions, affecting behavior.
  • The brain's prefrontal cortex plays a key role in inhibiting unwanted behaviors, guiding decision-making.

Science

  • In biochemistry, certain molecules are known to inhibit chemical reactions, acting like a brake in a car.
  • Enzyme inhibitors are substances that reduce the activity of enzymes, often used in medications.
  • During cellular respiration, some processes can be inhibited by various factors like temperature or pH levels.

Education

  • Inhibiting learning can happen if a student feels anxious or unconfident in a classroom environment.
  • Teachers often work to create supportive atmospheres that inhibit negative thoughts and promote engagement.
  • Self-imposed inhibitors, like fear of failure, can hinder students' willingness to ask questions or participate.

Art & Literature

  • In literature, characters may inhibit their emotions, leading to dramatic tension and complex storytelling.
  • Artists sometimes inhibit their creativity due to fear of judgment, which can limit their artistic expression.
  • The concept of inhibition is often explored in poetry, reflecting the struggle between restraint and desire.

Translations

Translations of the word "inhibit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inibir

🇮🇳 रोकना

🇩🇪 hemmen

🇮🇩 menghambat

🇺🇦 гальмувати

🇵🇱 hamować

🇯🇵 抑制する (yokusei suru)

🇫🇷 inhiber

🇪🇸 inhibir

🇹🇷 engellemek

🇰🇷 억제하다

🇸🇦 يمنع

🇨🇿 inhibovat

🇸🇰 inhibovať

🇨🇳 抑制 (yìzhì)

🇸🇮 zavirati

🇮🇸 hamla

🇰🇿 тежелту

🇬🇪 შეკავება

🇦🇿 əngəlləmək

🇲🇽 inhibir

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,468 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.