inhibit

[ɪnˈhɪbɪt]

inhibit Definition

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

Synonyms for inhibit

• hinder
• restrain
• impede
• curb
• constrain

Antonyms for inhibit

• encourage
• promote
• stimulate

Phrases with inhibit

• inhibit oneself

  to hold oneself back or restrain oneself from doing something

  Example

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

• inhibit growth

  to slow down or prevent the growth of something

  Example

  The lack of sunlight can inhibit the growth of plants.

• inhibit a reaction

  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.'