inhibit - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
inhibit Word Meanings
- to restrain or hold back
- to prevent an action or process
- to discourage or deter
inhibit Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
inhibit Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/
US
/ɪnˈhɪbɪt/
inhibit Word Etymology
in- = not + habit = hold; Latin 'inhibere' meaning 'to restrain'. Imagine a dam holding back water.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hand on the car window, feeling the cool glass as the street scene rushes by. I push aside the urge to speak, tighten my jaw, and hold back a burst of words. The effort to slow my thoughts feels like a small turn in a crowded room, a choice to stay quiet for a moment. That choice makes the next moment seem clearer, as if I’ve learned to set a boundary and let the action pass.
Real Context
Inhibit means to slow down, restrain, or prevent a process, action, or reaction from proceeding as freely as it would. It implies a dampening effect rather than a complete ban, and is commonly used with biological, chemical, behavioral, or procedural contexts. You can say a drug inhibits an enzyme, a person is inhibited by social norms, or a policy inhibits risky spending. Learners often confuse inhibit with prohibit (to ban) or prevent (to make impossible), but inhibit usually connotes partial restraint, delay, or suppression of a tendency. It regularly pairs with prepositions like from doing something or with the object being a process or reaction.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: (1) Inhibit is usually followed by a noun or by 'from doing something'. (2) It often indicates partial restraint rather than an absolute ban. (3) Distinguish from prohibit (ban) and prevent (make impossible). (4) Common collocations: inhibit growth, inhibit release, inhibit the spread. (5) Passive forms like 'is inhibited' are common in scientific writing.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing inhibit with prohibit, assuming both mean the same thing.
- Treating inhibit as synonymous with prevent (totally stopping something).
- Using 'inhibit from' with a person too aggressively; 'from doing' is common but not always required.
- Misplacing the object: you can inhibit a process, not always a person directly.
- For everyday speech, overusing 'inhibit' where 'restrict' or 'limit' would be clearer.
Thinking Differences
In English, inhibit often conveys partial restraint or dampening of a process, with nuance depending on context (science, psychology, policy). Learners tend to overuse it as a blanket synonym for prohibit or prevent, or misplace it with the wrong preposition.
Learning Tips
- Note the collocations: inhibit growth, inhibit release, inhibit the spread.
- Differentiate inhibit from prohibit (ban) and prevent (make impossible).
- Use with 'from doing' for people: inhibit someone from taking risky actions.
- In scientific writing, passive voice is common: 'is inhibited by...'.
- Practice with both abstract processes and concrete behaviors.
- Keep alternative verbs in your toolbox: slow, dampen, curb.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'inhibit'?
A.Help
B.Ignore
C.Prevent
D.Encourage
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'inhibit' correctly?
A.She always inhales deeply before speaking.
B.The loud music incentivized my concentration.
C.Fear can inhibit our ability to take risks.
D.He always procrastinates his homework.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'inhibit'?
A.Encourage
B.Block
C.Facilitate
D.Promote
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an opposite word for 'inhibit'?
A.Assist
B.Allow
C.Enable
D.Promote
Step 5: Mastery
How does the concept of 'inhibit' apply in a real-life context?
A.Limiting factors in personal growth
B.Accelerating skills development
C.Ignoring responsibilities
D.Avoiding challenges
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