C1verb2K

Inhibit

UK /["/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/","/ɪnˈhɪbɪts/","/ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/","/ɪnˈhɪbɪts/","/ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to prevent something from happening or make it happen more slowly or less frequently than normal

In simple words: to stop something from happening or growing

Examples

  • A lack of oxygen may inhibit brain development in the unborn child.
  • Financial considerations are inhibiting access to higher education.
  • Alcohol significantly inhibits the action of the drug.
  • The managing director's presence inhibited them from airing their problems.
  • The fear of dismissal inhibited employees from raising problems.

Usage notes

Use 'inhibit' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing the prevention or slowing of actions, processes, or behaviors. It is appropriate in scientific, medical, or academic discussions, but might sound too technical in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

inhibit + object

Memory hint

Think of 'inhibit' like 'inhabit' — you can't grow (inhabit) if you're blocked (inhibit).

Collocations

  • greatly
  • markedly
  • seriously
  • tend to
  • from
  • greatly
  • markedly
  • seriously
  • tend to
  • from

Synonyms

  • restrain
  • prevent
  • suppress
  • hinder
  • impede

Antonyms

  • promote
  • encourage
  • facilitate

Common mistakes

  • Confused it with 'prohibit', which means to formally forbid something.
  • Using it with the wrong preposition; it should be 'inhibit something', not 'inhibit to something'.
  • Mixing it up with 'enhance'; inhibit means to restrict, while enhance means to improve.