Inhibitory: meaning, definitions and examples

Also used in psychological or legal contexts to describe measures or actions that hold back certain behaviors or actions.

• Inhibitory control is a key aspect of cognitive development in children

Typically used in legal, social, or emotional scenarios to describe holding back or controlling force, behavior, or feelings.

• The police had to take restraining measures to control the crowd

Generally used in any context where there is a restriction or cap on quantity, growth, possibilities, or activities.

• The number of participants was limiting the effectiveness of the program

Often used in contexts involving forcefully putting an end to something, like movement, speech, or emotions. Can have a negative connotation.

• The regime was suppressing free speech among its citizens

Best used to describe something that slows down or prevents a process, often in a biological or psychological context.

• The inhibitory effects of the drug prevented the symptoms from worsening
• The neurotransmitter had an inhibitory influence on the neurons

Frequently used in a medical or technical context to describe something that prevents a specific action or process.

• The calcium channel blocker helped to lower the patient's blood pressure
• A pop-up blocker can help reduce unwanted ads on the internet

Typically used in scientific and technical fields, particularly chemistry and biology, to describe a substance that slows down or stops a particular reaction or process.

• The enzyme inhibitor prevented the reaction from proceeding
• Researchers tested various inhibitors to find the most effective one

Commonly used in both pharmacology to describe a substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another, and in literature to describe a character who opposes the protagonist.

• In the novel, the antagonist plotted against the hero
• The medication acts as an antagonist to the receptor, reducing its effect