Inhibiting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🚫
inhibiting
[ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪŋ ]
Definition
restricting action
Inhibiting refers to the act of restraining or hindering a process or action. It can denote the reduction or prevention of a certain activity, often in a physiological, psychological, or chemical context. For instance, in a biological setting, an inhibitor might reduce the activity of an enzyme. In a psychological context, inhibiting can refer to suppressing emotions or instincts, thereby limiting one's ability to act freely.
Synonyms
preventing, restricting, stopping, suppressing.
Examples of usage
- The medication is inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
- Her fear was inhibiting her from speaking in public.
- The chemicals inhibit the reaction between the two substances.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'inhibiting'
The word 'inhibit' originates from the Latin term 'inhibere,' which means 'to hold back.' This term is a combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' or 'into' and 'habere' meaning 'to hold.' The word transitioned into Middle English as 'inhibiten' and was influenced by the Old French 'inhiber.' Throughout its evolution, 'inhibit' maintained its core meaning of restraint or limitation. It has been commonly used in various scientific fields such as biology, psychology, and chemistry, where it describes processes that slow down or stop other actions or functions. The modern usage of 'inhibiting' emphasizes its application in both biological contexts, such as enzyme activity, and behavioral contexts, referring to the limitation of emotions and actions.