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Definition of inhibit

inhibit

/ɪnˈhɪb.ɪt/
in · hib · it
Adjective:inhibitory
•
Past Simple:inhibited
•
Past Participle:inhibited
•
Present Participle:inhibiting
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inhibit Lexical Profile

inhibit Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To hinder, restrain, or prevent an action, process, or growth.

Example

"Cold temperatures can inhibit the germination of many plant seeds."

2

To make someone self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way.

Example

"The presence of the strict supervisor seemed to inhibit the new employees during the brainstorming session."

3

To slow down or prevent a chemical reaction, enzyme activity, or physiological impulse.

Example

"Certain medications work because they selectively inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the brain."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for inhibit

• Nearby Words

inheritably
inheritance
inheritor
inhibit
inhibited
inhibitedly
inhibition

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin inhibitus, the past participle of inhibēre ('to hold in, restrain'), formed from the prefix in- ('in, on') and habēre ('to have, hold').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inhibit. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inhibit
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