inhibit

[ɪnˈhɪbɪt]

inhibit Definition

  • 1to prevent someone from doing something by making them feel nervous or embarrassed
  • 2to slow down a process or the growth of something
  • 3to prevent a chemical reaction or other process from happening or developing

Using inhibit: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "inhibit" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Her shyness inhibited her from making friends easily.

  • Example

    The cold weather inhibited the plant's growth.

  • Example

    Certain drugs can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

  • Example

    The presence of a catalyst can inhibit a chemical reaction.

inhibit Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for inhibit

Phrases with inhibit

  • to hold oneself back or restrain oneself from doing something

    Example

    She had to inhibit herself from laughing out loud during the serious meeting.

  • to slow down or prevent the growth of something

    Example

    The lack of sunlight can inhibit the growth of plants.

  • to prevent a chemical reaction from happening or developing

    Example

    Adding an inhibitor can inhibit a reaction from occurring.

Origins of inhibit

from Latin 'inhibit-,' meaning 'restrained'

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Summary: inhibit in Brief

The verb 'inhibit' [ɪnˈhɪbɪt] means to prevent someone from doing something by making them feel nervous or embarrassed, to slow down a process or the growth of something, or to prevent a chemical reaction or other process from happening or developing. Examples include 'Her shyness inhibited her from making friends easily.' and 'Certain drugs can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.'