Words / C1

in-HIB-it/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

To inhibit is to hold a process or person back: inhibit growth, inhibit sleep. Prohibit (already in the dictionary) is forbid by rule. Hinder is a close cousin; prevent is stronger. Inhibition is the noun (also psychology). Do not inhibit a sandwich.

Meaning

To make an action or process more difficult or less likely; to hold someone back.

Examples

• “Bright lights inhibited sleep in the on-call room.”
• “Street lighting inhibited some crime and displaced the rest to the side road.”
• “Prohibit is a ban; inhibit is make less likely. A shy inhibition is the psychology noun.”

Good to know

Hold back / make less likely. Noun: inhibition. Contrast: prohibit (forbid). Close: hinder. Everyday: hold back. Not food.

Near in meaning

hinder

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