Definition of INHIBITS

: to prohibit from doing something

b

: to discourage from free or spontaneous activity especially through the operation of inner psychological or external social constraints

forbid, prohibit, interdict, inhibit mean to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done.

forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

prohibited the sale of liquor

practices interdicted by the church

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

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

Decades of research and testing followed, to see what parts of that protein would be the most effective spot for a medicine to bind to, and thus inhibit pain sensations. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025 Saleh helped forge the 2019 49ers into a top-level defense with 48 sacks until things broke down in Super Bowl LIV in Miami, and catastrophic injuries (including Bosa and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo) did little to inhibit his candidacy as a head coach when the New York Jets came calling in 2020. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 For blood pressure specifically, certain bioactive peptides in dairy have been shown to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which helps lower blood pressure, said Singar. —Christina Manian, Rdn, Health, 24 Jan. 2025 To Balk, this lacking or misleading information actually inhibits consumer choice. —Christine Ro, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inhibit 

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inhibitus, past participle of inhibēre, from in- in- entry 2 + habēre to have — more at habit entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of inhibit was in the 15th century