Meaning & use
inhibit
To hinder, restrain, or prevent an action, process, or feeling from developing fully.
See it in a sentence
Cold temperatures generally inhibit the growth of most common bacteria.
Shyness often inhibited her from speaking up in large meetings.
A note on using this word
Inhibit is used both in science, for processes like enzyme activity, and in everyday speech, for emotional or behavioral restraint.
Words with a similar meaning
hinderrestrain
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
promoteencourage
Make it your own
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