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.

"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

"Instead of completely switching off MYC, future drugs could specifically inhibit only its ability to bind RNA. This would potentially leave its growth-promoting function untouched, but lift the tumor's cloak of invisibility," explains Eilers.

From Science Daily • Jan. 24, 2026

Researchers also found that compounds found in bamboo can inhibit the formation of furan and reduce the production of acrylamide.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

Their approach aimed to detect both common and extremely low-level compounds that could inhibit α-glucosidase, while also reducing solvent use and speeding up analysis.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 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

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30 GRE Words Beginning with "I"

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 3

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