Inhibiting
ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪŋ
Definitions
To prevent or slow down an action or process.
ɪnˈhɪbɪt
To restrain or prevent an action or process.
The high cost of the product is inhibiting its sales.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to build a Lego tower, but your little brother keeps taking pieces. He's inhibiting your progress – slowing you down from building it! Inhibiting means stopping or slowing something from happening.
👶 For kids: To stop something from happening or growing.
More Examples
The cold weather inhibited plant growth.
His shyness inhibited him from speaking in public.
How It's Used
"Certain drugs can inhibit the growth of bacteria."
"Fear can inhibit a person's ability to express themselves."
"The catalyst inhibits the reaction rate."
From Latin *inhibere* meaning 'to hold back, restrain', from *in-* 'in, on' + *habere* 'to have, hold'.
Used since the early 17th century, initially in a broader sense of 'to forbid' or 'to restrain', later evolving to its current usage relating to blocking or slowing down a process.
Memory tip
Think of a hand brake on a car; it inhibits forward motion.
Word Origin
"to hold back, restrain"