inhibit

[in-hib-it] / ɪnˈhɪb ɪt /

VERB

restrict, prevent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

constrain curb discourage forbid hinder impede obstruct outlaw prohibit restrain stymie suppress

STRONG

arrest avert bar bit bridle check cramp enjoin faze frustrate hog-tie interdict repress sandbag stop taboo ward withhold

WEAK

hang up hold back hold down hold in keep in put on brakes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward free help let go permit promote push release support

WEAK

approve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Adding new maritime competitors to the domestic freight market would inhibit the railroads’ ability to pass through price increases to customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

It would inhibit communication with her friends, diminish the entertainment she enjoys and cut her off from role models.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

They did this both through genetic methods and by developing a drug designed to inhibit the enzyme.

From Science Daily • Feb. 6, 2026

"If we want to delay the progression of a disease, we want to inhibit its negative aspect," Waller said.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

The remaining four proposed factors—war, centralized government, climate, and resource abundance—appear to act inconsistently: sometimes they stimulate technology, sometimes they inhibit it.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Vocabulary lists containing inhibit

Advanced English Words

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30 GRE Words Beginning with "I"

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 3

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