inhibit
verb
in·hib·it
in-ˈhi-bət 
inhibited; inhibiting; inhibits
1
: to prohibit from doing something
2
a
: to hold in check : restrain
b
: to discourage from free or spontaneous activity especially through the operation of inner psychological or external social constraints
: to cause inhibition
Examples of inhibit in a Sentence
You shouldn't allow fear of failure to inhibit you.
He was inhibited by modesty.
Fear can inhibit people from expressing their opinions.
drugs that are used to inhibit infection
Strict laws are inhibiting economic growth.
Recent Examples on the Web
But opponents say historic status could inhibit and delay any future redevelopment, including on KC Life’s vacant land, while placing new costs and burdens on homeowners in the neighborhood.
—
Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
Very few storms reach this point due to inhibiting factors such as strong winds in the upper atmosphere.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
High water levels inhibited the search, according to the outlet.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Picking the Wrong Location Planting fruit trees in overly shady spots or poorly draining soil inhibits fruiting and makes your plants more susceptible to pests, diseases, and rot.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inhibit
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Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
Very few storms reach this point due to inhibiting factors such as strong winds in the upper atmosphere.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
High water levels inhibited the search, according to the outlet.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Picking the Wrong Location Planting fruit trees in overly shady spots or poorly draining soil inhibits fruiting and makes your plants more susceptible to pests, diseases, and rot.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Cite this Entry
“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhibit. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inhibit
verb
in·hib·it
in-ˈhib-ət
1
2
: to prevent or slow down the activity or occurrence of
oil inhibits rust
a drug which inhibits an infection
inhibitor
noun
-ət-ər
Medical Definition
inhibit
transitive verb
in·hib·it
in-ˈhib-ət
1
a
: to restrain from free or spontaneous activity especially through the operation of inner psychological or external social constraints
an inhibited person
b
: to check or restrain the force or vitality of
inhibit aggressive tendencies
2
a
: to reduce or suppress the activity of
a presynaptic neuron can not only excite a postsynaptic neuron but can also inhibit it—H. W. Kendler
H. W. Kendler
b
: to retard or prevent the formation of
c
: to retard, interfere with, or prevent (a process or reaction)
inhibit ovulation
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