Inhibit
/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/
Definitions
To restrain, hinder, or prevent an action, process, or feeling.
/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/
To restrain or prevent an action or process.
The lack of sunlight inhibited plant growth.
💡 Simply: Think of it like putting the brakes on something. If something inhibits you, it's stopping you or slowing you down from doing something you want to do. For example, if you're trying to eat a big piece of cake but your diet inhibits you, it's stopping you from eating it!
👶 For kids: To stop something from happening or growing.
More Examples
Fear of failure can often inhibit creativity.
The new regulations inhibited market expansion.
How It's Used
"Stress can inhibit the body's immune response."
"Certain enzymes inhibit the activity of other enzymes."
"The high cost of the product inhibited many people from buying it."
From Latin *inhibere* 'to hold in, restrain,' from *in-* 'in' + *habere* 'to have, hold.'
The word has been used in English since the 15th century, initially with a broader meaning of 'to restrain or forbid.'
Memory tip
Imagine a barrier (in) preventing a habit (hibit).